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
As the saying goes, her performance turns on a dime, sending what first appears to a pretty standard, well-meaning story about the global refugee crisis somewhere much more personal and much, much darker.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Your people don’t need another well-meaning declaration.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Meanwhile, rent control and other well-meaning interventions often backfire by discouraging investment and reducing housing availability in the long run.
—Alexander Frei, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Even neutral or well-meaning gestures are perceived as selfish, passive-aggressive or hostile.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 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.
Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Your people don’t need another well-meaning declaration.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Meanwhile, rent control and other well-meaning interventions often backfire by discouraging investment and reducing housing availability in the long run.
—Alexander Frei, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Even neutral or well-meaning gestures are perceived as selfish, passive-aggressive or hostile.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 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 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share