well 1 of 4

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

well

2 of 4

interjection

well

3 of 4

noun

1
2
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

4 of 4

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

Examples 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
There are 2,380 comments at the time of writing as well. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 With the Cowboys well outside of the postseason picture, Elliott asked to be released after playing 15 games for the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2016. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Interjection
Greenland coming in hot… well, actually, really really cold!!!! Monica Sager, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Think of this as your Phoenix weather wrapped, complete with all the highs (literally) and lows (well, not so low) of 2024. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
Pasco died instantly, according to the outlet, and Pugh made the life-saving decision to lay still underneath her friend’s body and wait until her attackers left them behind in the well, believing both to be dead. Sean Neumann, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 But while the fatality rate for most wheel well stowaways is high, some people have survived the ordeal. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
This was not the first time Burgess mentioned how well life with their blended family is going. Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023 In addition to the state-of-the-art tailgating zone, Cindy and her family received some well wishes from former Jets running back Curtis Martin. Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 25 Aug. 2020 See all Example Sentences for well 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well
Adverb
  • Vivier says modern rhinos can live and reproduce just fine without horns, which are used primarily by bulls to assert their dominance.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025
  • That apparently cleared up just fine on its own after the election.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • For the pleasure of ownership, kindly visit us at www.skywatersresidences.com.sg.
    Perennial Holdings Contributor, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Sesay’s shot is repelled by the Chelsea goalkeeper but the loose ball falls kindly for Amari Perkins, who turns in the rebound.
    Stuart James, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • The video — posted by TikTok user Belle Hesse on Jan. 7 — shows hands placing a perfectly cut, phone-sized piece of sturdy cardboard inside a black phone case with an opaque screen protector.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
  • This wine—the crisp Pinot Bianco, the textured Chardonnay, the exotic Gewürztraminer, the elegant Pinot Noir, or the robust Lagrein—perfectly exemplify this region's quality and diversity.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Interjection
  • And oh, look: another fire had started in Sylmar, to the north of our house.
    Lesley M. M. Blume, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Uh oh—that box of crayons has melted into a waxy mess.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Their years of life experience make them in invaluable source of wisdom, stories, and perspective.
    Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, this late-stage move risks turning a critical national security priority into a source of division.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has an opportunity to impact the prospect pool this spring with a successful signing season vital to the team’s future.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The Blue Jays added their own additional bonus pool money in a trade hours before Sasaki’s decision Friday morning.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, being taller and more muscular comes with greater evolutionary costs, as a male must eat a lot and also be physically healthy both during childhood and as an adult to achieve and maintain such traits.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • He’s missed some time with injury, but he’s also been a healthy scratch a few times this season.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • Plus, the bottle will look great displayed on a vanity.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Quinoa also came out great—if not ever so slightly scorched on the bottom.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near well

Cite this Entry

“Well.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on well

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!