Well-wishing
adj.kind, joyfulwarm
What it means
Expressing sincere hope for another person's happiness, health, or success.
Reach for it when describing a message, gesture, or crowd whose goodwill is supportive but not necessarily close
A well-wishing crowd applauded every runner across the bridge.
Choose between these
6- everyday
when pleasant social goodwill is enough
not when Friendly does not necessarily include a sincere wish for future well-being.
- everyday
when optimism about the outcome is the focus
not when Hopeful can describe the recipient's own state rather than goodwill from others.
- warm
when words increase confidence or willingness to continue
not when Encouragement concerns motivation, while well-wishing can simply express hope for a good outcome.
- professional
congratulatory
when the message responds to an achievement
not when Congratulations look backward at success, while well-wishing often concerns what comes next.
- professional
when goodwill is backed by emotional or practical help
not when Supportive is a stronger conduct claim than a well-wishing message alone can prove.
- formal
when a kindly desire for others' welfare is the central attitude
not when Benevolent can sound distant or paternal in a personal note.
Said against
3- hostile
- ill-wishing
- malicious
It naturally appears in
3- well-wishing message
Her well-wishing message named the courage the move had required.
- well-wishing friends
Well-wishing friends respected the couple's request for a quiet ceremony.
- well-wishing crowd
The well-wishing crowd left the hospital entrance clear for patients.
Where this comes from
- Wiktionary, English adjective sense: wishing well to another opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.