1
as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
around campus he's known as a real character, but one whose eccentricities are entirely benign
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
basking under a benign sun on a day in early spring
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
The current situation is back to pricing in a benign, if not downright optimistic, economic backdrop.
—
Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Analysts at Oxford Economics take a more benign view.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 June 2025
In the first half of 2025, inflation data has been largely benign, but the worst may be yet to come: Goldman Sachs economists predict core PCE inflation will surge to 3.4% by December, which would be the highest rate since 2023.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Analysts at Oxford Economics take a more benign view.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 June 2025
In the first half of 2025, inflation data has been largely benign, but the worst may be yet to come: Goldman Sachs economists predict core PCE inflation will surge to 3.4% by December, which would be the highest rate since 2023.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
Some abnormalities are usually harmless, but others, such as bloody or pencil-thin stools, can be serious.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
30 July 2025
-
That hold harmless provision, however, didn’t seem to make a dent in public school advocates’ opposition, Creighton said.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Stefan, a vampire too gentle to drink human blood, eventually loses Elena to his brother, Damon, the cruel killer with a tender side just for her.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
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Her videos captured the simple beauty of her grandparents’ life: morning coffee, gardening rituals, gentle kisses hello and goodbye — and always, the art.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
The performance itself begins at 7:20 p.m., followed by an after-party at 9 p.m. Event organizers encourage rideshare for a safe and carefree experience, though free parking is available across the street from the venue at 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Building 3000.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
The lesson of Lilith Fair — that women artists could have their own stage on which to perform and feel safe — will be front and centre as the Canadian documentary launches in Toronto.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
This nursery is soothing and peaceful, yet offers plenty of room to create, imagine, and explore through play.—
Nina Derwin,
Architectural Digest,
18 July 2025
-
Lavender’s movement in the breeze and soothing scent add more sensory layers to the space.—
Lauren Dunec Hoang,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Paint your walls in a softer, creamier yellow, for example.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
1 Aug. 2025
-
On the data side, expect the major economic reports to face a greater level of scrutiny following Friday’s soft jobs report and ugly downward revisions.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
About one in five people infected develop mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache, body aches or rash, and around one in 150 people develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 July 2025
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But a lot of the other strange things that happened in your body—things much more intense and unusual than a fever’s mild hallucinations—entirely escape the sieve of memory.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Alan Rickman, with his deep, mellow, softly puffing voice, is immensely sympathetic as that most patient of suitors, Colonel Brandon.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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