well-founded

adjective

ˈwel-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce well-founded (audio)
Definition of well-foundednext
1
as in logical
according to the rules of logic even a well-founded argument can lead to an erroneous conclusion if one of the premises is incorrect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information a well-founded complaint about the business's treatment of its customers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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-founded Your confusion and hurt are well-founded. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026 The guidance to assume compromise is well-founded. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026 And the Republicans’ concern is well-founded. — Douglas E. Schoen, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026 That certainty proved well-founded. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-founded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-founded
  1. logical
  2. reasonable
  3. valid
  4. reasoned
  5. rational
  6. sensible
  7. coherent
  8. justified
Adjective
  • Gatewood agrees that Chessy was a logical addition from the Wonderland canon.
    — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Jeff Hettick, vice president of Agile Mission Systems at GA-ASI, said adapting those capabilities to maritime operations was a logical next step.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • But there are valid reports about Minnesota’s interest in inking one of the sport’s all-time greats to a one-year deal.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026
  • Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • In an article for Marie Claire, Rapinoe trotted out several common left-wing talking points aimed at scaring rational-thinking people into believing that keeping males out of women's sports is somehow bad for girls and women.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
  • While shocking, the Australian Space Agency said there’s a completely rational, albeit cosmic, explanation.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • With the loss of local NBC affiliates, Telemundo, nine regional sports channels, and 32 national channels, Fubo made the sensible but rare decision to lower subscription prices in December.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Roseman’s decision to bring back Goedert and pair him with a draft pick (second-round pick Eli Stowers) and inexpensive free agents was a more sensible solution.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of sensible
Adjective
  • Editorially, the biggest challenge was giving the film a coherent throughline that interpreted the events for audiences in a comprehensible and entertaining way.
    — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • But expansion that reinforces a coherent brand thesis and solves an actual customer need?
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • The goal is to reach justified confidence as fast as possible.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The answers to those questions are ‘not really’ and ‘probably not’, even if there’s justified criticism that Tuchel prioritised physicality, athleticism and versatility over technical quality.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of justified

Browse Nearby Words

well-fixed
well-founded
well-groomed
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Cite this Entry

“Well-founded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-founded. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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