well-founded

adjective

ˈwel-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce well-founded (audio)
Definition of well-foundednext
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

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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 Just make sure that your concerns are well-founded and not based on assumptions or stereotypes. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026 Gen Z’s concerns are well-founded—and echo warnings from leading AI experts and mounting management evidence. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Advertisement Barring Platner bowing out in time—which seems unlikely—Democrats are hunkering down, desperately hoping there aren’t more Platner revelations left to come out before Election Day. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026 The opponents’ concerns are well-founded. — Alex Weatherall, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-founded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-founded
  1. logical
  2. reasonable
  3. valid
  4. reasoned
  5. rational
  6. sensible
  7. coherent
  8. justified
Adjective
  • Overall, the feasibility study said the annexation area represents a logical extension of the city’s existing urban development pattern.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But when considering your approach, know that what seems logical and well-meaning to you may be unhelpful or even harmful.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • North Carolina has embraced pro-economic growth policies, like lower taxes and reasonable regulations.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Indeed, there can be valid reasons for high-net-worth individuals and families to do a Section 351 exchange, said Joshua Norman, principal in the Bardstown, Kentucky, office of Cerity Partners.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast, excluding blank and null ballots.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Ending animal agriculture alone won’t solve the political and economic causes of food insecurity, but that doesn’t make the system sensible.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Tableware Deals With holiday hosting season a few weeks out, now is a sensible time to stock up on glassware and flatware.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensible
Adjective
  • While the first version of OpenAI’s GPT language model could barely write a few paragraphs of coherent text, its newest models can solve mathematics problems that have stumped humans for the better part of a century.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Toward the most coherent expression of the California possibility.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • If supply begins catching up faster than expected, the market’s skepticism toward the durability of today’s earnings may prove justified.
    — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The menu is no phonebook, and what has made the cut is well-justified.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of justified

Browse Nearby Words

well-fixed
well-founded
well-groomed
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Cite this Entry

“Well-founded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-founded. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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