well-spoken
Americanadjective
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speaking well, fittingly, or pleasingly.
The new chairwoman was very well-spoken.
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polite in speech.
a well-spoken gentleman.
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spoken in an apt, fitting, or pleasing manner.
a few well-spoken words on civic pride.
adjective
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having a clear, articulate, and socially acceptable accent and way of speaking
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spoken satisfactorily or pleasingly
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.
But voters showed no interest in the far more electable David Costello, a well-spoken environmental policy consultant and, by all appearances, a normal guy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
“Linda is this well-spoken, congenial, bright, well-dressed woman executive, but she helped run a testosterone-fueled business that was seen as very sleazy for a long time,” pro-wrestling expert Dave Letzer told The Washington Post.
From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024
"Given disparaging references others have made to Cohen, I am sure the jury is surprised by the sober, well-spoken, candid individual they are meeting," he said.
From BBC • May 13, 2024
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
T\vo young men, one sandy-haired, one dark, well dressed and well-spoken: travelers sensible enough to hook up with a larger group for protection on the road.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
