very well
8 synonyms and 4 antonyms for very well, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Used to say that you agree or consent, often reluctantly, and will go along with what has been proposed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. interjection
Used to say that you agree or consent, often reluctantly, and will go along with what has been proposed.
“Very well, we'll do it your way.”
2. adverb
In a highly satisfactory or skilful manner.
“She speaks Japanese very well.”
Opposites
How to use very well
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
very well then
doing very well
knows very well
may very well
The agreement sense is formal or clipped; it can sound curt if said flatly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'very well' and 'okay'?
Both accept a proposal, but very well is more formal and often carries a hint of resignation, as though you are giving in. Okay is neutral and casual, and implies no reluctance at all.
Does 'very well' sound old-fashioned?
As a reply meaning 'agreed', slightly — it belongs to formal speech, service settings and period drama. As an adverb of manner, 'she did very well', it is completely ordinary modern English.
Can I say 'I am very well, thank you'?
Yes. It is the standard polite answer to 'How are you?', a little more formal than 'I'm fine, thanks'. Note that it is well, not good, when you are describing health.
