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Synonyms

well-spoken

American  
[wel-spoh-kuhn] / ˈwɛlˈspoʊ kən /

adjective

  1. speaking well, fittingly, or pleasingly.

    The new chairwoman was very well-spoken.

  2. polite in speech.

    a well-spoken gentleman.

  3. spoken in an apt, fitting, or pleasing manner.

    a few well-spoken words on civic pride.


well-spoken British  

adjective

  1. having a clear, articulate, and socially acceptable accent and way of speaking

  2. spoken satisfactorily or pleasingly

"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-spoken

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

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.

Mr. Shapiro is popular, well-spoken and capable but has yet to build a national coalition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Plus, unlike Trump, Ocasio-Cortez is young, beautiful and well-spoken.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2025

Wellman’s friendly demeanor is what you might expect from the well-spoken former litigator.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

The annual invite-only luncheon honored 10 films and 10 television shows with well-spoken words about each celebrated project followed by a brief clip of a scene.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

Also spilling out was the sound of a well-spoken voice.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el