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 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 Your confusion and hurt are well-founded. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 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
  • When there are multiple logical possibilities for what the next word should be, the model typically selects one of those words by chance, based on their relative frequencies in the data.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For five of the Buss siblings, selling the remaining stake can be viewed as the logical conclusion of a process that began when the family surrendered control of the Lakers last year.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • And there is a reasonable likelihood that two of them will end up playing each other on Arthur Ashe either for history, or for the chance to make it, which will lead to unforeseen levels of patriotic tension.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • City officials say this boosts transparency, sets reasonable expectations and may deter people from repeatedly issuing the same complaint.
    — Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • While the outcome was not made public, sources briefed on the case, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, told The Athletic an independent tribunal determined earlier this year that the contract did in fact remain valid.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Once approved, an ETIAS will generally remain valid for three years and can be used for multiple trips, provided the passport connected to it remains valid.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 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
  • Often, the conspiracy theories around this case—like most conspiracy theories—are premised on rational questions.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • If a movie becomes available at home almost immediately, consumers have a rational reason to wait.
    — Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Porter calls the rule a sensible and carefully designed first step, but his argument is that protection and leadership are different things.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This might have discouraged a sensible man from deciding to become a publisher.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensible
Adjective
  • But his successor will have a real chance to break with the status quo and craft a more coherent and more effective Middle East strategy.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Crowd scenes require dozens of background figures to remain coherent.
    — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Our community carries decades of justified mistrust toward institutions that have not always earned it.
    — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Different fandoms may debate whether the shots fired there are justified, but Bridgers is kind of taking one at herself here, too, amid all the no-love-lost.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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