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
What started as a benign reflection by former Heat guard Dwyane Wade about the steps Riley, in his role as Heat president, has taken to maintain his touchstone core values, has turned into decade-later pushback this week from no less than LeBron.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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The texters have multiple objectives by sending seemingly harmless missives to your phone.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some plots involved the unruly but harmless Darling family, depicted as hillbillies who seemed alien to even the small-town residents of Mayberry.—
Alice George,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
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When using a soothing, gentle and slightly higher-pitched voice, a dog will understand it as nonthreatening and reassuring.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Be aware that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe alternatives.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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And just as with Samsung, this brings unsafe network blocks (including 2G), sideloading blocks, safer browsing and theft protection.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Their look and feeling are soothing and sublime, thanks to the deft hand of noted Spanish interior designer Pilar García-Nieto.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The result is soft, luminous skin that’s also protected from a high UV index.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
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The frame is made from a soft velvet fabric that’s extremely comfortable to recline on.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Note that there will be differences in heat levels and texture: Many brands make hot and mild varieties, and harissa can range from loose and sauce-like to thick and pasty.—
Sheela Prakash,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
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The adverse events were considered generally mild to moderate, according to the company, with upset stomach the most commonly reported.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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An eight-month-old Gruyère is mellow with a caramel aroma.—
Betsy Andrews,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Animal Collective member’s new album, Sinister Grift, is the perfect mellow psychedelia for a sunny Pasadena afternoon.—
Dan Reilly,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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