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

Kyle MacLachlan and Connie Britton also pop in as Benny's well-meaning parents. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 May 2025

When that alignment is off, even the most well-meaning touch can fall flat or make things worse. —Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025

This reflects how even well-meaning problem-solving, if dispensed in a way that isn’t emotionally attuned, can feel dismissive. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and while well-meaning spouses and children often shower the mom in their life with flowers and candy, that’s not always what moms are quietly longing for on their day of celebration. —Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025

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