well-intentioned

adjective

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

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.
Your prior actions were, no doubt, well-intentioned. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 While well-intentioned, this kind of advice often operates at the wrong level. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 While well-intentioned, this mandate is costly and ultimately more harmful than helpful. — Katherine Hofmann, STAT, 30 June 2026 Bobby is smart and well-behaved; Skeeter is loud, charismatic, and impulsive, though ultimately good-hearted and well-intentioned. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 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

Rhymes for well-intentioned

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Browse Nearby Words

Wellingtonian
well-intentioned
well-kept
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Cite this Entry

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

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