well-meaning
adjective
well-mean·ing
ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ 
1
: having good intentions
well-meaning but misguided idealists
2
: based on good intentions
well-meaning advice
Examples of well-meaning in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even neutral or well-meaning gestures are perceived as selfish, passive-aggressive or hostile.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Evidently, though, some well-meaning attempts to connect people with programs are falling flat.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Mental-health professionals and well-meaning advice dispensers all seem to encourage a retired life filled with service to others, and devoted to maintaining or strengthening social contacts.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025
For Brian Tyree Henry playing the role of a messy but well-meaning ex-convict was oddly cathartic.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for well-meaning
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Evidently, though, some well-meaning attempts to connect people with programs are falling flat.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Mental-health professionals and well-meaning advice dispensers all seem to encourage a retired life filled with service to others, and devoted to maintaining or strengthening social contacts.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025
For Brian Tyree Henry playing the role of a messy but well-meaning ex-convict was oddly cathartic.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for well-meaning
Cite this Entry
“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-meaning. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share