as in generous
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Recent Examples of well-meaning
My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available.
—
Charles Lebaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
But the well-meaning—an understandable, especially given the historical context—efforts can have an unintentionally shaming effect that might stop a teen from asking for help managing their period.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025
Unfortunately, Little Buddha never rises above a well-meaning, simplistic depiction of the roots of a worldwide religion, and the effects have aged even more poorly.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for well-meaning
Charles Lebaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
But the well-meaning—an understandable, especially given the historical context—efforts can have an unintentionally shaming effect that might stop a teen from asking for help managing their period.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025
Unfortunately, Little Buddha never rises above a well-meaning, simplistic depiction of the roots of a worldwide religion, and the effects have aged even more poorly.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for well-meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-meaning
Adjective
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The most generous interpretation of the New Atheist view on this question is that people ought to have the freedom to decide for themselves.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
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There's little a generous spoonful of fresh field peas won't compliment.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But once Pete's initial hostility softens into kindhearted support, Agnes (and the audience) can breathe a long-overdue sigh of relief as Lynch's character offers sage advice and a life-changing sandwich, suggesting a brighter, more hopeful world may be on the horizon.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Dec. 2025
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But, wishes aside, Patterson was cast as Danes, the grumpy but kindhearted diner owner at the heart of the show’s romance between his character and Lauren Graham’s Lorelai Gilmore.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Thank you, too, to the dozens of people who wrote in with kind corrections.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Vargo also recalled a kind woman who had a gentle spirit.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Although it's become controversial in recent years, the reality is that surrogacy can be an intimate, collaborative, and often altruistic process—but those characteristics of the process rarely make it into public conversations.—
Kris Ann Valdez,
Parents,
13 Feb. 2026
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The alternative to appreciating the fact that one of the most listened-to artists on the planet is also a breathtaking showman with an altruistic heart is pretending that Kid Rock had the more impactful evening.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The North’s decisions about prisoner exchanges were based on military calculations, not benevolent concern for Black captives.—
Drew Gilpin Faust,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
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We are mostly meant to feel the movie, to allow our souls to be prodded and hugged tightly by this benevolent picture’s generous assessment of the most dangerous animal to ever exist on the planet.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-meaning. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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