inoffensive

adjective

in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce inoffensive (audio)
Synonyms of inoffensivenext
1
: causing no harm or injury
2
a
: giving no provocation : peaceable
b
: not objectionable to the senses
inoffensively adverb
inoffensiveness noun

Examples of inoffensive in a Sentence

The priest was a mild-mannered inoffensive fellow. an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inessential and inoffensive, frequently adorable and fun for the whole family, Jon Favreau’s film feels like three good-enough TV episodes smushed together. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 May 2026 An inoffensive, technically impressive spectacle that's kinda a snooze fest. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Saturday Night Live host Matt Damon was cast as the adoring husband in Mom, an entirely inoffensive movie where nothing bad happens—something that mothers everywhere will enjoy. William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2026 Matter of fact, none of his trademark charisma or humor can be found on the entire album, which seems like a complete misunderstanding of the genre as self-serious and inoffensive. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inoffensive

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoffensive was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoffensive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

inoffensive

adjective
in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce inoffensive (audio)
: not offensive or harmful
inoffensively adverb

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