wellspring

noun

ˈwel-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce wellspring (audio)
Definition of wellspringnext
1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided the nation's colleges and universities were a wellspring for political activism and unrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in repository
an abundant source a gossip who is a wellspring of juicy information about the latest goings-on around town

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 wellspring The collection’s wellspring is the late-19th century and early-20th ceramics of Nampeyo of Hano (Tewa) and Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso). — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Emerson was the wellspring of the Renaissance. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 In a world that is home to an increasing number of true cultural powerhouses, the United States remains a wellspring of imagination that appeals to audiences both at home and abroad. — Lily Rothman, Time, 23 Apr. 2026 This becomes the wellspring of the book. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wellspring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wellspring
  1. source
  2. repository
  3. cradle
  4. gold mine
  5. fountain
Noun
  • The San Diego Padres will call up top catching prospect Ethan Salas when rosters expand Tuesday, a team source told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the move.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • From February through July 2026, ELG exceeded its plan by approximately $400 million of gross merchandise value, sources said.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of source
Noun
  • The goal isn’t to turn every person who reviews marketing materials into a complete repository of everything that could potentially offend someone.
    — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Semafor’s methodology and reproducible analysis code can be found in a public GitHub repository here.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of repository
Noun
  • Soft, dynamic cushioning cradles your feet with every step while providing maximum support, providing transition assistance between launch and landing.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Here in a quiet public garden overlooked by the tourist guides, his fingers reverently trace a volcanic stone from Þingvellir, the ancient cradle of Icelandic democracy.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • More than 900,000 people have been displaced, while the region’s gold mines draw workers from a wide area.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Paramount Pictures movie was an international smash, leading to a multi-film gold mine that is among the highest-grossing franchises in Hollywood history.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gold mine
Noun
  • Behind the fountain, the buildings will lock audiences into the story’s location.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The entry courtyard’s smooth pavers and circular fountain complement the stark, contemporary lines of the dark-sided facade.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fountain

Browse Nearby Words

well-spoken
wellspring
wellsprings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wellspring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wellspring. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All