BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

Definition of benign

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.

Recent Examples of benign Reports indicate that Fable 5 declined to answer a range of benign educational questions in fields such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics – including basic prompts about mitochondria. — James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026 In other words, the department rescinded its directive only after Anthropic’s models were hobbled to the point that many benign queries now trigger the guardrails. — João Marinotti, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 These were reclassified as benign or of uncertain significance. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The Justice Department has depicted the subpoenas as a benign move. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Then Schwarber worked a six-pitch at-bat only to hit a harmless groundout.

— Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 July 2026
There are conceivable uses that might seem entertaining or harmless, such as interacting with a consenting celebrity or a recreation of a historical figure.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Altman may be right that a gentler singularity is already underway, with AI steadily reshaping work and research.

— Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Use gentle, food-safe options like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda with a soft cloth or sponge to safely clean the interior.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

Officers say the changes are aimed at addressing a recent rise in overnight disturbances while reassuring visitors and businesses that Old Sacramento remains a safe destination.

— Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026
City leaders say the buildings are safe and that data submitted to Florida regulators were miscategorized.

— David Smiley, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

Countless insects and other invertebrates Also not surprising is that the Okefenokee, being a swamp, is home to thousands of invertebrate species — butterflies, moths, bees, dragonflies, beetles, spiders and other soft-bodied creatures.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Pinch-runner Jesus Rodriguez began the 10th at second base and advanced to third on Arraez’s soft single to left.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

Unlike their spicy relatives, bell peppers contain little to no capsaicin – the compound responsible for a pepper's heat – which gives them their signature crisp texture and mild flavor.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 July 2026
DeVaux and team caught it early enough to keep mild, so that the champion missed just ten days of training.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of mild

Adjective

Pour shrub into a clean jar; cover with lid and chill until flavors come together and mellow, about 1 week.

— Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026
Best known for his angelic voice that plays on R&B and pop, WONHO seems to be testing out something new, bordering on dance, EDM, club, house, mellow pop, and hyper-pop.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of mellow

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“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of benign

adjective

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