well-intentioned

adjective

well-in·​ten·​tioned ˌwel-in-ˈten(t)-shənd How to pronounce well-intentioned (audio)
: well-meaning

Examples of well-intentioned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These folks are good-natured and well-intentioned, but don’t seem to have a clue as to how their conduct left us exhausted and feeling ignored. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 James, though loving and well-intentioned, can’t help but show his skepticism, repeatedly (and blithely unaware of his condescension) asking if his wife remembered to take her meds today. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 Hal’s gut tells him aliens are involved, which means he and his trainee won’t be shooed away by the local sheriff, no matter how well-intentioned her urgings may be. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Summers said brands often hire consulting companies to craft these sustainability solutions, which, despite being well-intentioned, are mismatched with the realities faced by manufacturers. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-intentioned

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-intentioned was in 1598

Rhymes for well-intentioned

See All Rhymes for well-intentioned

Browse Nearby Words

Wellingtonian
well-intentioned
well-kept
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-intentioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-intentioned. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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