Definitions

well-intentioned

[wel-in-ten-shuhnd] / ˈwɛl ɪnˈtɛn ʃənd /

ADJECTIVE

favorable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable benign encouraging positive supportive sympathetic

WEAK

acclamatory affirmative amicable approbative approbatory assenting benevolent benignant commending complimentary enthusiastic in favor of inclined kind kindly laudatory okay praiseful predisposed reassuring recommendatory understanding welcoming well-disposed

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disadvantageous disagreeable hateful

WEAK

bad derogatory detrimental harmful hindering hurtful hurting injurious unfavorable unfriendly unhelpful unpromising

ADJECTIVE

innocent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

childlike gullible ignorant innocuous wide-eyed

STRONG

frank open raw safe simple square

WEAK

artless credulous fresh guileless hurtless inexperienced ingenuous innoxious inobnoxious inoffensive offenseless soft unacquainted unartificial uncool unfamiliar unhurtful uninjurious unmalicious unobjectionable unoffensive unschooled unsophisticated unstudied unsuspicious unworldly wellmeant youthful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

knowledgeable untrusting wise

STRONG

dishonest sophisticated unclear

WEAK

bad blamable corrupt cunning evil experienced guilty immoral impure sinful

ADJECTIVE

sympathetic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amenable appreciative encouraging open-minded receptive responsive

WEAK

approving companionable compatible congenial congruous consistent consonant cool down favorably disposed having a heart in sympathy with like-minded on same wavelength open pro simpatico tuned-in vicarious well-disposed

Antonyms

WEAK

callous cold disagreeable merciless uncaring unconcerned unfeeling unfriendly unsociable unsympathetic

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.

But such measures, though well intentioned, carry serious implications for the freedoms of speech and access to information, as well as the right to privacy, for children and adults alike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The firm's local spokeswoman Rachel Lord told a senate committee the ban was "well intentioned" but would risk "unintended consequences".

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

He added: "These are well intentioned people who made a mistake, so I need to be proportionate."

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

I’ve been incredibly lucky that those scripts came across my desk because there’s lots of other indies that are really well intentioned that don’t reach an audience.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Yeah, she’s well intentioned and wants to assist, I get it.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

well-intentioned

Example Sentences

Related Words