well-intentioned

adjective

well-in·​ten·​tioned ˌwel-in-ˈten(t)-shənd How to pronounce well-intentioned (audio)

Examples of well-intentioned 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.
But, as idealistic and well-intentioned as Remmick might present himself, the vampire will nevertheless take with force what he's not given. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026 Sometimes their gifts aren’t so well-intentioned. Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026 Dan Ashworth came and went as sporting director, but decision-makers at INEOS, United’s minority owner, played it off as a well-intentioned, but quickly corrected, misstep. Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 History has shown us that regime change – even when framed as necessary or well-intentioned – carries serious and often devastating consequences. Briauna Brown, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-intentioned

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-intentioned was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Well-intentioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-intentioned. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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