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.

To backpedal for a moment: While even the most well-intentioned president can’t fix everything that comes across his desk, this one apparently spotted a problem beneath his that he could do something about.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Justin said that the government's protection policy was well-intentioned -- but that the modern world was not allowing the Sentinelese to be left on their own.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The well-intentioned but poorly-designed rule has made Washington even less efficient.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Although well-intentioned, it has led to turnovers which have resulted in goals.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

I’d lived with earnest and well-intentioned concerns for our safety since almost the day Barack first decided to run for president.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

well-intentioned

Example Sentences

Related Words