- a variation of well-meaning.
well-intentioned
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of well-intentioned
First recorded in 1590–1600
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite his well-intentioned wisecrack — or perhaps because of it — Holmes can relate to her new associate.
From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2026
“This proposal is well-intentioned, but misguided,” Nancy Altman, the president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group, told MarketWatch by email.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026
As Thomas Doherty explores in “How Film Became History,” Vanderbilt’s well-intentioned effort is an early instance of what we know today as the archival documentary.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
In Grande's video appeal in 2023, she said that even if concerned onlookers thought they were "saying something good or well-intentioned" about someone's appearance and wellbeing, they should think twice.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
She hung up, feeling a stab of guilt at cutting off Mamma’s well-intentioned advice.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
