as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
a well-bred young woman who is unfailingly polite to everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-bred
Adjective
-
The service The Sagamore’s staff is exceedingly polite and easily reachable via text message.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
While modern-day hosts don’t explicitly expect guests to bring a gift, it's still largely considered a polite and appreciated gesture.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Ask the gracious waitstaff for their recommendation—they’ll never steer you wrong.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Sanremo news The Royal Hotel Sanremo, a gracious five-star Belle Epoque landmark, is one of the Riviera’s best-value luxury offerings.—
Catherine Sabino,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
The international airport in General Santos was temporarily shut due to the earthquake, and 17 domestic flights were canceled, civil aviation officials said.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
All ships in this class are named after renowned American civil and human rights leaders and activists.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Well-bred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-bred. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
