well-read

adjective

ˈwel-ˈred How to pronounce well-read (audio)
Synonyms of well-readnext
: well-informed or deeply versed through reading
well-read in history

Synonyms of well-read

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Examples of well-read in a Sentence

any well-read person would recognize the quotation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Fairchilds said Jeffrey, who would be 57 in December, was intelligent, well-read and had a great sense of humor, with a passion for creative writing. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 On the front passenger seat by his side was a well-read and worn atlas book that guided him along scenic backroads. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 June 2026 Grandma Bobby is well-read and well-traveled, glamorous and opinionated (speaking of usually-right old women), the old-school, no-nonsense daughter of a girl who walked out of a pogrom and emigrated to New York. — Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-read

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-read was in 1574

Rhymes for well-read

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Browse Nearby Words

well-preserved
well-read
well-ribbed-up
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Cite this Entry

“Well-read.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-read. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

well-read

adjective
-ˈred
: well informed by much reading
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