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.
Will tight end production replace wide receiver screens that are well-intentioned but rarely blocked well? Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 Although well-intentioned, human error is inevitable. Robert Travieso, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 Adding wood pellets to the combustion process was well-intentioned—to clean coal, which was then the leading method of electricity generation. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 However well-intentioned the sponsors may believe, these bills are as bad as the government compiling lists of Jews. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-intentioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-intentioned. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster