mean well

phrase

: to want to do good or helpful things : to have good intentions

He means well, but he's not really helping anyone.

Examples of mean well in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grandma and grandpa may mean well, but some of their parenting styles are no longer recommended based on years of research—like ignoring your baby’s cries or forcing a school-age child clean their plate at dinner. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026

People mean well and are gracious. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025

Overwhelming goals, inconsistent routines, and accountability partners who mean well but have their own lives to manage can all contribute to our resolutions falling apart. — Maha Abouelenein, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Caring colleagues might mean well, but your taking on new and more projects is none of their concern. — Roxane Gay, New York Times, 11 May 2024

Rhymes for mean well

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel