WELL-MEANING Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

well-meaning

adjective

Definition of well-meaning

as in generous

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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 Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The basic difference between my first draft that sold and my later drafts was that the Cable Guy character became less well-meaning in the third act and the Matthew Broderick character had to fight the Cable Guy harder, intellectually, to get him out of his life. — Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 However, the industry-wide goal of attaining human-like intelligence in AI systems will only make this content harder for people to spot, even with all the well-meaning government legislation in the world. — ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026 Or, the person may worsen the problem with well-meaning but potentially harmful words or actions. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-meaning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-meaning

Adjective

The latter section compares God to a generous host, who similarly protects his guests, providing safety and abundance.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Her family said Zawadi had been generous and good-natured, eager to make jokes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of generous

Adjective

So his church—which has raised many millions of dollars for good causes, and operates a local food pantry and food truck—decided to distribute lawn signs simply encouraging people to be kind.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Engler said even in her early days of stardom, Parton was always kind and pleasant.

— Jessica Guay, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of kind

Adjective

The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Browse Nearby Words

well-known

well-meaning

wellness

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“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-meaning. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-meaning

adjective

Example Sentences

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