well-bred

adjective

ˈwel-ˈbred How to pronounce well-bred (audio)
Definition of well-brednext
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners a well-bred young woman who is unfailingly polite to everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-bred As the sun set on the gentlemanly era of relationship banking, Wall Street needed to recruit huge numbers of the most talented—not just well-bred or best-connected—bankers to keep up. — Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-bred
  1. polite
  2. gracious
  3. civil
Adjective
  • The thankful and polite, yet rowdy Post Malone was preceded onstage Wednesday by first opening artist Carter Faith and part-coheadliner, part-opener Jelly Roll .
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The Love Goddess Venus enters your sign, spotlighting self-worth and a gracious presence that helps people feel at ease around you.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
  • Over the years, the Caesars Entertainment team has won over guests with its premier service, glamorous suites, and gracious staff.
    — Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people!
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Bombardier has described the Global 8000 as the world’s fastest civil aircraft since Concorde.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Definition of civil

Browse Nearby Words

wellborn
well-bred
well-conditioned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-bred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-bred. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on well-bred

Nglish: Translation of well-bred for Spanish Speakers

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