well 1 of 4

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well

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interjection

well

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noun

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as in pool
a small often deep body of water the spot where the spring bubbles up to the surface and forms a deep well

Synonyms & Similar Words

well

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word well distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of well are hale, healthy, robust, sound, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When could hale be used to replace well?

While the synonyms hale and well are close in meaning, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

Where would healthy be a reasonable alternative to well?

Although the words healthy and well have much in common, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

In what contexts can robust take the place of well?

The words robust and well are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When is it sensible to use sound instead of well?

In some situations, the words sound and well are roughly equivalent. However, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would wholesome be a good substitute for well?

While in some cases nearly identical to well, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

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
Adverb
In his final days, Paul Reubens — best known as Pee-wee Herman — sat for more than 40 hours of one-on-one interviews for the HBO docuseries Pee-wee as Himself. Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 Jonte Moaning, a choreographer and dancer who also worked on Renaissance, was there as well. Mikelle Street, Them., 8 Sep. 2025
Interjection
If your calendar isn’t already full of fun family activities and festivals over the next few months — well, that’s about to change. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 But that film’s hero was facing a major, life-changing decision concerning his bid for political asylum, whereas Paul is just, well, trying to write a book no one will probably read. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
Without the well or ill-intentioned guide of theological doctrine, everything stands poised to become a metaphor. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 When the oil begins to dry up, wells are supposed to be plugged to prevent toxic, climate-altering chemicals from escaping. September 7, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Wilson’s cousin and bandmate Love, 83, assured fans that all is well, and that the latest legal decisions have not affected their bond. Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024 Confidence: Medium-High A look ahead Most showers are well to our north and south on Saturday, but clouds should still be plentiful. David Streit, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for well
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well
Adverb
  • The latter is a fine-dining experience named after the resort’s ethos—Celebrate Happiness, Explain Sadness.
    Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Matthew Stafford’s back held up fine.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • There are plenty of accommodation options, from multiroom suites to generously sized one-king or two-double-bed rooms.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
  • There’s sufficient material here for a sentimental star vehicle, but Murphy generously shares the spotlight with a small but remarkable ensemble (kudos goes to casting director Robert Sterne for that).
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • These numbers may seem small, but their effect is profound, especially when wielded by longtime Aston design chief Marek Reichman and his team, who have masterfully created a timeless brand language that continues to evolve and feel au courant while never capitulating to trends.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Zone of Interest Jonathan Glazer's unsettling historical drama masterfully employs sound — which earned it an Oscar in 2024 — and what remains unseen to depict the horrors of the Holocaust.
    Charlotte Walsh, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • While the initial criticism could’ve been framed more kindly, turning the tables is hardly an effective way to rectify the situation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But Thursday night’s defeat won’t reflect kindly on Boise State once the College Football Playoff committee begins ranking teams in November — not unless BSU piled up nothing but wins until then.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Parker supplies a ready solution that nicely dovetails with Kennedy’s hostility toward vaccines, and pharmaceutical interventions against disease in general.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Blunt could emerge as a strong supporting actress contender, in a category that hasn’t presented a standout frontrunner yet, and could pair nicely with Johnson’s big run.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Late in the second quarter, facing second-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rodgers led receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly with one of those off-balance wrist-flick throws 14 yards past the line of scrimmage from the far hash, for a 30-yard gain.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In short, the Norfleet touchdown perfectly encapsulated the role of fourth-down aggression in this game.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • But the conversation didn’t end smoothly, leaving tension in the air.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This convenience explains why, if wallets can't integrate RWAs smoothly, tokenization will remain a niche pursuit.
    Jamie Elkaleh, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Tesla is registered to 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, according to a senior LAPD source.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Well.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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