well
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for well, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a good, skillful, or satisfactory way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use well
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English wel, meaning "abundantly, fully, in a desired way" — ultimately from a root meaning "to wish" or "desire," the same root behind the word "will."
Full origin of well →Frequently asked questions
What does “well” mean?
The word “well” means in a good, skillful, or satisfactory way. In plain terms, depending on context: skillfully/satisfactorily (adverb), healthy (adjective), a conversational filler word, or a hole dug for water/oil.
How do you pronounce “well”?
“Well” is pronounced WEHL (/ˈwɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “well” in a sentence?
Here is “well” used in a sentence: “She plays the piano well.”
What is another word for “well”?
Words with a similar meaning to “well” include so, see, look and as if.
What part of speech is “well”?
Depending on how it is used, “well” can be an adverb, an adjective, an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “well” come from?
The word “well” comes from Old English. From Old English wel, meaning "abundantly, fully, in a desired way" — ultimately from a root meaning "to wish" or "desire," the same root behind the word "will.".
Is “well” a common word?
“Well” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “well” have?
“Well” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a good, skillful, or satisfactory way.
What is the difference between well and good?
Good is an adjective that describes a noun, as in 'a good singer.' Well is an adverb that describes how an action is done, as in 'she sings well.' A common error is 'she sings good.' Note that well can also be an adjective meaning healthy, as in 'I feel well.'
Should I say 'I'm good' or 'I'm well'?
Both are accepted. 'I'm well' is the traditional choice, using well as an adjective meaning in good health. 'I'm good' is very common in casual speech and usually means content or fine. In formal writing, 'I'm well' is the safer option when talking about health.
What is an example of well used as an adverb?
'She played the piece remarkably well.' Here well describes how she played. Other examples include 'The team worked well together' and 'He speaks French well,' where well always tells you that the action was done in a skillful or satisfactory way.