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 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 So, too, does the idea that a soccer coach could close fissures that even the well-meaning among career politicians have failed to seal. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-meaning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-meaning

Adjective

Expect hot dishes, a tapioca station, a generous bread spread, and free-flowing sparkling wine alongside an à la carte menu.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
It's been more than a decade since tech companies first came to Ohio, drawn by the state's inexpensive and abundant land, its energy infrastructure and its generous tax breaks.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of generous

Adjective

As news of Mackie’s death spread, friends and fans are remembering a kindhearted and joyful man whose designs illuminated some of the world’s biggest stars on both stage and screen.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
Beatty portrayed River—the kindhearted fiancée of one of the siblings—until the play closed in June 2024.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of kindhearted

Adjective

The father of Dinesh Deshmukh had offered to be a kind man and wait as long as the morning of the wedding for the payment of the very reasonable dowry of 50,000 rupees.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Some who met him were kind to him, news outlets reported; others, less so.

— Jeffrey Tolbert, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of kind

Adjective

Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.

— Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Browse Nearby Words

well-known

well-meaning

wellness

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Style

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-meaning. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-meaning

adjective

Example Sentences

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