well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ How to pronounce well-meaning (audio)
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.
As the pressure mounts, even a well-meaning boss can become the one nobody wants to work for. Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 The sad truth is these well-meaning groups never consider the cornerstone of all educational achievement: appropriate student behavior. Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025 An absurdist comedy-drama about Romania’s housing crisis and the country’s conflicted middle class, Kontinental ’25 follows a homeless man who seeks shelter in a house cellar and the well-meaning bailiff (Eszter Tompa) ordered to carry out his eviction. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 Norton played against type as the well-meaning Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown. David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-meaning. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

well-meaning

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

More from Merriam-Webster on well-meaning

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