Well-wisher

n.kind, hopefulwarm

What it means

A person who sincerely hopes for someone else's happiness or success.

Reach for it when naming supportive people whose goodwill may be personal even when their role is informal

Every well-wisher added one specific memory to the retirement book.

playful
fan
when informal enthusiasm for someone's work fits
not when Fan is about enjoyment or admiration, not necessarily concern for the person.
everyday
supporter
when encouragement includes active backing
not when A supporter may advance a cause for strategic reasons without personal goodwill.
warm
admirer
when appreciation for qualities or work drives the positive feeling
not when Admiration can be distant and does not always include hope for personal well-being.
warm
friend
when an actual mutual relationship should be named
not when Well-wishers can include acquaintances, readers, or strangers rather than friends.
professional
ally
when someone acts alongside the person against a shared barrier
not when Alliance implies active alignment and struggle, not simple good wishes.
professional
backer
when practical, financial, or political support is relevant
not when Backer is transactional and too impersonal for a card or celebration.
formal
benefactor
when material help creates the relationship
not when A benefactor gives resources and may not be emotionally close.
literary
devotee
when strong enthusiastic loyalty is genuinely present
not when Devotee can sound excessive and centers attachment more than the recipient's good.

friends and well-wishers
Friends and well-wishers filled the hall for the coach's final match.
many well-wishers
Many well-wishers sent notes, but the family requested privacy.
anonymous well-wisher
An anonymous well-wisher paid the remaining fee without seeking thanks.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.