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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 Gen Z’s concerns are well-founded—and echo warnings from leading AI experts and mounting management evidence. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Advertisement Barring Platner bowing out in time—which seems unlikely—Democrats are hunkering down, desperately hoping there aren’t more Platner revelations left to come out before Election Day. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026 The opponents’ concerns are well-founded. — Alex Weatherall, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 Add to that an affordability crisis hitting families’ checkbooks and many businesses’ eager push to utilize artificial intelligence, and workers’ sentiments appear well-founded. — Matt Helmer, Fortune, 23 May 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
  • Morris contributed a logical note to sneaky goings-on, and Lupus made his silent bit seem credible.
    — Ed Olmstead, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • These athletes, many of whom are 22 or 23 years old, have logical reasons to extend their collegiate sports careers into their mid-20s or beyond.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • The judge then reread his instructions on reasonable doubt before sending them back to continue deliberating.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Deadlocked jurors have deliberated seven days, with one panelist accused of misapplying reasonable doubt, exposing deep divisions over whether the Massachusetts mother is criminally responsible for killing her three young children.
    — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • On some issues, former presidential special assistant Fried said, the administration has a valid argument.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The festival is free for children, seniors, college students with valid ID and military with valid ID.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • Clearly, the most mutually beneficial option is for neither rational actor to talk.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Elliptic curves of rank 0, for example, have only a finite number of rational points.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Hardware or firmware that has already been used and studied in academic or institutional settings can be a sensible place to start, particularly when there is published technical evidence and an experienced user community behind it.
    — Aaron Timm, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The three writers attempted to balance overall talent with building a sensible basketball team.
    — Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensible
Adjective
  • Finance, operations, technology and business leaders may all have reasonable ideas for improvement, but a collection of individual initiatives does not automatically become a coherent turnaround strategy.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Osteopathic medical education intentionally integrates biomedical, clinical, health systems and biomechanical sciences, and concepts aligned with complexity science into a coherent framework for physician formation.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Golf equipment powerhouse Callaway ended its partnership with Good Good Golf amid the justified backlash over a video ad for a new Callaway driver that depicts a man aggressively shoving a woman to the ground.
    — Greg Cote August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Our community carries decades of justified mistrust toward institutions that have not always earned it.
    — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of justified

Browse Nearby Words

well-fixed
well-founded
well-groomed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-founded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-founded. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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