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

But when considering your approach, know that what seems logical and well-meaning to you may be unhelpful or even harmful. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

His preference to sweat it out, however well-meaning, had grown untenable. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

The failure of states and cities to follow federal direction on minimum wage exemptions for teen summer jobs is one more example of well-meaning worker protection rules negatively impacting career launch and economic mobility. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for well-meaning

• careening
• convening
• demeaning
• housecleaning
• machining
• unmeaning
• cleaning
• gleaning
• greening
• keening
• leaning
• meaning

Kids Definition

well-meaning

adjective

well-mean·​ing

-ˈmē-niŋ

: having or based on good intentions