UNWELL Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

unwell

adjective

ˌən-ˈwel

Definition of unwell

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body she missed work because she was unwell

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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 unwell Meanwhile, Tifa and an unwell Cloud remain separated from the group, leaving the rest of the party to chart their own course through a world that has grown considerably since Rebirth. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Troubleshooting Tips If your Venus flytrap looks unwell, but is otherwise well watered, here’s what may be troubling your plant. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Alvarez missed training earlier on Wednesday after feeling unwell the day before, according to Atletico sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt pulled out of the race shortly before the stage after feeling unwell. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwell

Adjective

The goats’ dire situation first came to light when a former dairy employee raised concerns after witnessing emaciated and sick animals on the property, the former employee told the Idaho Statesman last year.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
What’s interesting is that Conan Doyle got sick of writing Sherlock Holmes.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sick

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.

— Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025

Definition of poorly

Adjective

His latest feature film — the American’s first in 14 years — stars Pascal as Alex Serian, a gifted cellist who returns to Los Angeles after 20 years away to care for his ill mother.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Show reps did not specify who was ill or the nature of the illness.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Adjective

Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
The size of the boat, the distance from the tow boat's berth and how bad the boat is stuck will all factor into the final invoice.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of bad

Browse Nearby Words

unwelcome

unwell

unwellness

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“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwell. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unwell

adjective

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