Standard Lemma guide

well-intentioned

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Having good intentions, even if producing unfortunate results.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

marked by good intentions though often producing unfortunate results- S.W.Maughm

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a well-intentioned but clumsy waiter
  • a well-meaning but tactless fellow
  • the son's well-meaning efforts threw a singular chill upon the father's admirers
  • blunt but well-meant criticism

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: well-meaning, well-meant

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: bienintencionado — having good intentions