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well

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interjection

well

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noun

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as in pool
a small often deep body of water the spot where the spring bubbles up to the surface and forms a deep well

Synonyms & Similar Words

well

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word well distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of well are hale, healthy, robust, sound, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When could hale be used to replace well?

While the synonyms hale and well are close in meaning, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

Where would healthy be a reasonable alternative to well?

Although the words healthy and well have much in common, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

In what contexts can robust take the place of well?

The words robust and well are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When is it sensible to use sound instead of well?

In some situations, the words sound and well are roughly equivalent. However, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would wholesome be a good substitute for well?

While in some cases nearly identical to well, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of well
Adverb
The post-All-Star Game schedule is extremely manageable as well. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 Shake well and pour into a glass rimmed with Tajín or chili salt. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
Interjection
He’s been like that since coming from Boston in March and fitting right on this team like a boxing glove on a fist — well, poor analogy. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025 There’s almost a temptation to say, well, they’re not really connected. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 May 2025
Noun
Thanks to the new study, the research team used high-resolution seismic imaging and rock physics experiments on samples from the caldera’s deep wells to reconstruct an image of the internal structure. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025 The system of 37 wells and drain lines removes more than 10 million gallons of water per year, according to the city. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Adjective
Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and hope to see you soon. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 13 Oct. 2023 This was not the first time Burgess mentioned how well life with their blended family is going. Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for well
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well
Adverb
  • The adapter is not a proprietary type so just about any 65W power supply with USB-C connectivity should work just fine.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • If one arm is injured, the others still work just fine.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, ArsTechnica, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • Aside from reactions to Musk’s political turn, markets have not looked kindly at Tesla for about a year, as the company’s vehicle deliveries, model development and progress on consumer cars have all been on the downswing.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Leathers is winning as David’s devoted bride-to-be, with Curtin enjoyably nimble playing a kindly Midwest mom.
    Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Adverb
  • Her ensemble featured a simple yet striking little black dress with a semi-sheer bodice and a voluminous, inflated hemline, perfectly paired with dainty black mules and matching arm cuffs on both wrists.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 10 June 2025
  • This wisdom applies perfectly to brands seeking to connect with young consumers.
    Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Interjection
  • Eccleston brought frantic and wild energy to the Doctor, but when things got serious, oh boy did Eccleston get serious.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • The ceiling is probably just an inch north of a league-average starting pitcher, but oh man, would that be a victory for the player, given what he’s gone through over his career.
    Eno Sarris, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Yerevan has since sought to diversify its defense sources, reducing arms imports from Russia to as low as 10 percent by 2024.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Climate change and shifting food sources are also causing species-wide population declines, the experts said.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • With Intex’s easy lock system, the pool is ready for water in just 60 minutes, and the frame pieces snap together with no extra tools required.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • For more casual daytime dining, the Seascape terrace, adjacent to the main pool, offers a more relaxed cuisine, including Caprese salads, burgers, and pasta.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • This strategic focus on ensuring a healthy mix of companies across sectors has enabled the HQ portfolio to outperform the S&P 500, achieving returns greater than 91% since its inception.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Treasure Valley has a healthy supply of spots for these tasty Mexican treats.
    Idaho Statesman Staff, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • Afterward, the plastic surgeon told Miranda and Bryan that Cameron, now 4, had done great and described the mass as fatty tissue, not a typical cyst or tumor.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 2 June 2025
  • This biological response worked great for escaping predators.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Well.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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