WELL Synonyms: 507 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

well 1 of 4

adverb

Definition of well next

as in fine

in a satisfactory way our current system for dividing household chores works well, so let's keep it

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in generously

in a generous manner a warm and gracious host who always treats guests well

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as in masterfully

in a skillful or expert manner she plays the piano very well

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as in kindly

with good reason or courtesy we cannot well get out of going to your cousin's wedding

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as in nicely

in a pleasing way the day went well, despite the rough beginning

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as in perfectly

to a full extent or degree we are well aware that this home renovation is going to be costly

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as in smoothly

without difficulty he can well afford to spare the time

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well

2 of 4

interjection

as in oh

how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable well, that is odd!

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well

3 of 4

noun

ˈwel

as in source

a point or place at which something is invented or provided his quirkily dysfunctional family proved to be a bottomless well of inspiration for the novelist

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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

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well

4 of 4

adjective

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor my mother is quite well, thank you

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Many multinational companies have shifted to producing alcohol locally as well, a cost-effective alternative to exporting from a central hub. —

Rachel King, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 Naples is well connected with the rest of Italy via rail. —

Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024

Interjection

Fruity is often used to describe aromas or flavors of, well, fruit in a sparkling wine. —

Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 9 Dec. 2024 Plus, Monica's, well, Monica-ness about her wedding china provides some laughs, too. 5. —

Diana Pearl, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Noun

As depicted in the film, which uses extensive archival and more recent vérité footage to chart decades of on-again, off-again destruction, bulldozers raze a school and homes, wells are filled with cement and power generators are hauled away. —

Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 The study shows how traditional wellness programs have evolved to embrace a more holistic approach with a focus on nutrition, healthy habits and emotional well-being in addition to physical fitness. —

Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

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

The Boeing Starliner undocked autonomously Sept. 6 and managed to land just fine in New Mexico desert.

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
It’s said the top three rules of real estate are location, location, location — and the new location of Christmas in the Park’s Jingle Bell Stage at the north end of Plaza de Cesar Chavez is working just fine for Fil Maresca, who’s managing the folks selling beer and wine at the Park Tavern.

Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 15 Dec. 2024