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
  • Music of the margins — which before neoperreo was punk rock and hip-hop — had been framed in opposition to polite society.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The emergency response agents were always polite and professional, and two-way communications came through loud and clear.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • At the heart of these experiences is the resort’s Master Pathfinder and team of Pathfinders, who act essentially as adventure concierges, gracious hosts, and expert guides.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • No Camas coach would talk (although one, along with a school administrator, was gracious to me), and the boy's mother wouldn't acknowledge my presence Saturday.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • Widespread civil unrest over teacher shortages and economic hardship escalated across France over the weekend as rioters clashed with police and stormed public buildings.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Background checks must now encompass any pending or settled civil cases.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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