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
Relevance
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
Olson argued on behalf of The Bee that St. Hope’s judgment that these charges were not well-founded does not justify non-disclosure.
—
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Rohloff believes this sentiment is well-founded, especially in sectors like government, finance, and healthcare, where the stakes of data mishandling are existential.
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Such concern is well-founded, analysts told ABC News, since small businesses typically lack the financial buffer, supply-chain flexibility and political influence of their larger counterparts.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 May 2025
On the one hand, students’ efforts to earn a 4.0 GPA, ace their final tests, and score high on their AP or IB exams are well-founded—a stellar GPA is the foundation of a successful college application.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Engagement Citizens’ concerns over the ways in which increased multifamily housing may affect traffic, schools and other local resources can be well-founded, or at least well-intentioned.
—Matt Frazier, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
With the draft less than a week away, on Monday, and the declaration deadline behind us, that uncertainty was well-founded.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This drive is well-founded, since jobs reports show well-paying positions are getting harder to find, particularly for Black women, coupled with a successful anti-DEI push led by the conservative right.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Paul's fears would be well-founded: The Equal Rights Amendment was given a time limit: Seven years, originally, from congressional passage to ratification by the requisite three-quarters of states.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Rohloff believes this sentiment is well-founded, especially in sectors like government, finance, and healthcare, where the stakes of data mishandling are existential.
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Such concern is well-founded, analysts told ABC News, since small businesses typically lack the financial buffer, supply-chain flexibility and political influence of their larger counterparts.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 May 2025
On the one hand, students’ efforts to earn a 4.0 GPA, ace their final tests, and score high on their AP or IB exams are well-founded—a stellar GPA is the foundation of a successful college application.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Engagement Citizens’ concerns over the ways in which increased multifamily housing may affect traffic, schools and other local resources can be well-founded, or at least well-intentioned.
—Matt Frazier, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
With the draft less than a week away, on Monday, and the declaration deadline behind us, that uncertainty was well-founded.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This drive is well-founded, since jobs reports show well-paying positions are getting harder to find, particularly for Black women, coupled with a successful anti-DEI push led by the conservative right.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Paul's fears would be well-founded: The Equal Rights Amendment was given a time limit: Seven years, originally, from congressional passage to ratification by the requisite three-quarters of states.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-founded
Adjective
-
Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Since 1984, Dell has been dominating the prebuilt PC and accessory market by making hardware at reasonable prices.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Prior to Sunday's attack, Soliman was driving for Uber, which required him to have a valid Social Security number, CBS News has learned.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
3 June 2025
-
On cross-examination, Ferguson confirmed that there were employees in the finance department who went through the corporate credit card statements to determine which charges were valid business expenses and which were personal expenses.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
29 May 2025
-
This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
The cars are an entry point for new buyers into the Porsche brand, cheaper than 911s and less powerful, but also just as well-made, and, for many, the most sensible Porsche one can buy brand new.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
22 May 2025
-
The wilderness is not unkind to those who understand it and take sensible precautions.—
Ted Updike,
Outdoor Life,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Create a coherent narrative showing your evolution.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Having those two positions secured gives the Patriots a chance to implement a coherent vision for the long term.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The protean hatred of Jews is always justified, and never justifiable.—
Rabbi David Wolpe,
Time,
23 May 2025
-
Your personal life doesn't need to be defended, justified, or sacrificed because someone else's priorities weren't planned for.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
-
Already off to a rough start in the young WNBA season, the Dallas Wings are going to be without arguably their best player.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Well-founded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-founded. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share