Definitions

well-read

[wel-red] / ˈwɛlˈrɛd /

ADJECTIVE

knowing much from reading

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bookish educated knowledgeable literate studious well-informed

WEAK

cultured scholarly versed well versed in widely read

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorant stupid uneducated

WEAK

illiterate

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.

Meter readers mainly, well, read meters, while telemarketers made calls timed to your dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

I try to read the game as well, read the striker, look at his movements.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2024

Frame described ObeySumner as “an extraordinarily thoughtful person, well read, well researched.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2023

I'm a lot more well read than people know.

From Salon • Oct. 28, 2021

I pick through stacks of hardcovers and paperbacks, all of them well used and well read.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven