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 There is no denying that the market is tight and unpredictable right now, which means that even the most reliable and well-intentioned candidates are being cautiously selective with their careers—many not accepting the first offer that comes their way. Innesa Burrola, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Pierce and Campbell conceded the legislation was well-intentioned in cracking down on puppy mills but urged the house to delay consideration until next year’s budget session when the Board of Animal Health could be properly funded. The Indianapolis Star, 30 Jan. 2024 While well-intentioned—the CFPB does not want companies over-collecting and/or reselling consumer data—this proposal frustrates recurring payments, such as cellphone, internet, utility bills, etc. Alexandre Gonthier, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Mike Judge and Zach Woods take on the well-intentioned, if not slightly delusional, airwaves of public radio in the new trailer for the upcoming semi-animated series, In the Know. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2024 Some donations are well-intentioned, but China’s Communist Party and others have used money as a lever to push propaganda, filch research, and censor free exchange. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 26 Dec. 2023 While this is well-intentioned, many caregivers feel burdened by it. Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 12 Dec. 2023 While most of these people are well-intentioned, their incentives are rarely aligned with the success of the professional, instead representing institutions and employers. Cenk Sidar, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Comments about another person's body or the food on their plate, which can negatively affect others no matter how well-intentioned. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'well-intentioned.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near well-intentioned

Cite this Entry

“Well-intentioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-intentioned. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!