well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ How to pronounce well-meaning (audio)
Synonyms of well-meaning
1
: having good intentions
well-meaning but misguided idealists
2
: based on good intentions
well-meaning advice

Examples of well-meaning 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.
But when considering your approach, know that what seems logical and well-meaning to you may be unhelpful or even harmful. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Even if our intentions are well-meaning, this sort of decision-making can result in injury or a lasting feeling of guilt. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Sep. 2026 His preference to sweat it out, however well-meaning, had grown untenable. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-meaning

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-meaning was in the 15th century

Rhymes for well-meaning

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Browse Nearby Words

well-meaner
well-meaning
well-meant
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Cite this Entry

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-meaning. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

well-meaning

adjective
well-mean·​ing
-ˈmē-niŋ
: having or based on good intentions

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