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
That’s not to denigrate Punch, which is solidly built and well-meaning without sanctimony.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
But also potentially between them, with their differing outlooks on life, all of the modern obstacles to love, and their sometimes well-meaning, sometimes sabotaging families — including her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) and brother Sasha (Timothy Simons).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Channel a French painter with a Breton-style striped shirt and a beret, or pair a smock and palette for artistic flair, which can often be safer than a well-meaning but potentially misguided tribute to a historical figure.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 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.
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
But also potentially between them, with their differing outlooks on life, all of the modern obstacles to love, and their sometimes well-meaning, sometimes sabotaging families — including her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) and brother Sasha (Timothy Simons).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Channel a French painter with a Breton-style striped shirt and a beret, or pair a smock and palette for artistic flair, which can often be safer than a well-meaning but potentially misguided tribute to a historical figure.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share