INNOCUOUS Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

innocuous

adjective

i-ˈnä-kyə-wəs

Definition of innocuous

as in harmless

not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt those innocuous lies we must tell every day if society is to remain civil

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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 innocuous To the grandparent, the situation might seem innocuous; after all, its just one episode of television while the adults do chores. — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 17 July 2026 Whether for people, wildlife or astronomical observatories, the beam from this single test satellite is far from innocuous. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 Even inexpensive and innocuous items, such as a cord cover and a key bowl, can work wonders for you in your mission to tidy up your home. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for innocuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocuous

Adjective

Participants agree to release and hold harmless Company, the Podcast and Podcast hosts from any claims arising out of participation in the Competition or the acceptance or use of any prize.

— The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Even the most intrusive apps ask for seemingly harmless permissions.

— Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Heartbreak and rejection leave people emotionally vulnerable, and the manosphere pitch often comes paired with benign advice about standing up for yourself, being mentally tough, or becoming physically active.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Some incidents are benign, while others can be signs of something more serious.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

Definition of benign

Adjective

Petticrew broke out stateside by playing IRA activist Dolours Price, a woman whose understandable aggrievement led her to harm innocent civilians as well as herself.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 27 July 2026
Killing children and other innocent Palestinians, then stealing land under a false prophecy is not defending Israel.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Definition of innocent

Browse Nearby Words

innocents

innocuous

innominate

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“Innocuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocuous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of innocuous

adjective

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