well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ How to pronounce well-meaning (audio)
Synonyms of well-meaningnext
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.
So, too, does the idea that a soccer coach could close fissures that even the well-meaning among career politicians have failed to seal. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 His preference to sweat it out, however well-meaning, had grown untenable. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Or, the person may worsen the problem with well-meaning but potentially harmful words or actions. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 12 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

See All Rhymes for well-meaning

Browse Nearby Words

well-meaner
well-meaning
well-meant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-meaning. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

well-meaning

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

More from Merriam-Webster on well-meaning

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for well-meaning

Nglish: Translation of well-meaning for Spanish Speakers

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