well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ 

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

These are well-meaning lessons, if by now wearyingly familiar ones. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024

Ask Amy: My 32-year-old, married daughter lives in my basement — but just won’t grow up Is there a courteous way to tell these well-meaning people that waterborne travel is not in my future, ever? —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2024

Ichiban Kasuga, possibly the sweetest, most well-meaning former yakuza to grace any piece of fiction (video games or otherwise), doesn’t question each increasingly silly plot twist or insane mini-game, but throws himself into the action with willing, naïve abandon. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 June 2024

Police body cams also show well-meaning drivers who mimic similar behaviors, such as lunging toward the glove compartment or quickly reaching under a seat — alarming officers but intending only to get an insurance card or registration. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing

-ˈmē-niŋ

: having or based on good intentions