WELL-BRED Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

well-bred

adjective

ˈwel-ˈbred

Definition of well-bred

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners a well-bred young woman who is unfailingly polite to everyone

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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-bred As the sun set on the gentlemanly era of relationship banking, Wall Street needed to recruit huge numbers of the most talented—not just well-bred or best-connected—bankers to keep up. — Literary Hub, 15 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-bred

Adjective

In other words, what happens when their agreeable or polite approach to attaining something doesn’t work?

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Tell us about the crew From the waitstaff in the restaurants to the bartenders to the butler, the crew members were unfailingly polite and helpful.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

The gracious master of ceremonies gave me the place of honor in the line-up, directly behind him, with Reiffer and the two shikaris bringing up the rear.

— Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Walters asks, with a show of reluctance, questions about hillbillies, adolescent development, breast surgeries and her husband — though the singer’s answers are always gracious.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of gracious

Adjective

Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Retailers and insurers often require it; product recalls are an expensive bad look; and there are major civil or criminal penalties if a product causes harm.

— Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of civil

Browse Nearby Words

wellborn

well-bred

well-conditioned

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“Well-bred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-bred. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-bred

adjective

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