UNWELL Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

unwell

adjective

ˌən-ˈwel

Definition of unwell

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body she missed work because she was unwell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 unwell Meanwhile, Tifa and an unwell Cloud remain separated from the group, leaving the rest of the party to chart their own course through a world that has grown considerably since Rebirth. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Troubleshooting Tips If your Venus flytrap looks unwell, but is otherwise well watered, here’s what may be troubling your plant. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Alvarez missed training earlier on Wednesday after feeling unwell the day before, according to Atletico sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt pulled out of the race shortly before the stage after feeling unwell. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwell

Adjective

Grape expectations In 2020, macaques in an enclosure at the sanctuary started getting sick with an HIV-like virus called SRV.

— Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
Or calling in sick from work even when the doctor cleared you to return in the new year.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of sick

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.

— Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025

Definition of poorly

Adjective

The fungus primarily affects patients in hospitals and nursing homes who are already seriously ill, and can spread through medical equipment such as breathing tubes or catheters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
In the past year alone, hospitals have closed pediatric intensive care units for critically ill kids in Montana, Oregon, and Missouri.

— CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Browse Nearby Words

unwelcome

unwell

unwellness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwell. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unwell

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes