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 Lawmakers’ focus on reining in the cost of housing is well-founded. — Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 And at the start of 2025, there was some evidence that their belief was well-founded. — Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 That skepticism is well-founded in the wake of the recent wildfires. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-founded
  1. logical
  2. reasonable
  3. valid
  4. rational
  5. sensible
  6. coherent
  7. justified
  8. good
Adjective
  • The problem — and hardly an insignificant one — is that however funny comedian Jillian Bell’s directorial debut can be in the moment, none of it makes the slightest logical sense.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Such a partnership could be seen as a logical next step to the role Noah Horowitz played during his sojourn at the auction house.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • In addition, corporations have to determine what a reasonable wage is, which typically requires the help of an accountant.
    — Vlad Rusz, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • And most of the reason is there’s too much government regulation keeping people from being able to build houses at a reasonable cost.
    — Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • In one case, a German citizen with a valid green card was reportedly held at Boston Logan International Airport and placed in a detention facility.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • If enough valid petition signatures are filed by Aug. 4, the recall election could take place sometime in January or early February 2026.
    — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
    — Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
    — The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Multiple sets are repurposed to serve as different locations — again, a financially sensible decision that also carries deep emotional resonance.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The microphone jack is located on the rear, just behind the hot shoe, a good move as this is the most sensible place to mount a mic or wireless transceiver.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of sensible
Adjective
  • In a landscape where so many shows foreground reveals and plots, Adolescence centers an emotional reality, one that can’t be cut around or spliced to create something coherent or streamlined.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Either the president has no coherent plans, or those plans are devious and not to be shared with the people.
    — Llewellyn King, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Even during bad economies, when layoffs are rampant and often more justified, the results are similar — and that’s according to Bain & Company, which, ironically, consults for firms that make cuts.
    — Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Equally apparent, the justified fear the club has about his arm.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2025
Definition of justified
Adjective
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And snood size is the quickest, easiest way for a hen to gauge whether the gobbler strutting his stuff in front of her is a good genetic candidate for her future poults.
    — Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of good

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 27 Mar. 2025.

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