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Synonyms

well-read

American  
[wel-red] / ˈwɛlˈrɛd /

adjective

  1. having read extensively (sometimes followed byin ).

    well-read in oceanography.


well-read British  
/ ˈwɛlˈrɛd /

adjective

  1. having read widely and intelligently; erudite

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of well-read

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A well-read person grows body armor against the rigid conspiracy theorist, against flat artificial intelligence that manipulates without emotion.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 2026

The disturbing thing is that it’s a question whose answer, to any well-read observer, is uncertain at best.

From Slate May 27, 2026

There were a handful of others, but all followed the same pattern of being erstwhile intelligent, well-read people, successful in their professional spheres, who went down the rabbit hole.

From Salon Oct. 20, 2024

Think of him as that inquisitive, well-read dinner party guest who ensures that your evening is memorable.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 20, 2024

The Horner girls were clever young women, well-read and educated, with promising intellectual futures.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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