well-meaning

Definition of well-meaningnext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of well-meaning Dealing with prying relatives or well-meaning (or not-so-well-meaning) smug married friends? Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 Pay attention, however, and the connection between Mary and Boo becomes more tender as their dilemma deepens, as does the relationship between Mary and her well-meaning, if totally embarrassing, mom. Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026 While well-meaning, this approach often achieves the opposite effect. Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available. Charles Lebaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-meaning
Adjective
  • Your generous heart likely loves to say yes, but everything has an opportunity cost.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Fierce in expression but controlled in form, the 1959 LP draws out a rootsy warmth from beneath the bebop that had consumed bandstands since World War II, forging a sound that feels at once confrontational, mischievous, and generous.
    Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In an interview, Salinas’ sister, 50-year-old Paulette Salinas, described her brother as kindhearted, family-oriented and deeply rooted in the church and community.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The show's plot involves a corrupt mayor, gullible townspeople and a kindhearted Bigfoot who longs for community.
    Reena Advani, NPR, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At a balloon release in November 2024 honoring his memory, family members described Williams, who ran his own carpet-cleaning business, as a hardworking, kind, gentle man devoted to his family and faith.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Raised by a relatively kind commander (Nate Corddry) and a flatly evil step-mother (Amy Seimetz), Agnes grew up as privileged as a prisoner can be.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For example, Cheek cites research that connects altruistic behavior and a sense of purpose with reduced inflammation, as opposed to hedonistic pursuits, which can worsen inflammation.
    Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Shah’s second chance isn’t entirely altruistic.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • McTeigue created subtle variations on the mask so that V could look slightly more sinister or benevolent depending on the lighting.
    Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The primary seller gets to look benevolent, having kept prices low for fans.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-meaning. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on well-meaning

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster