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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
-
False positives: Finding harmless abnormalities can lead to false-positive results (a test result that incorrectly determines a condition is present), unnecessary stress, tests, and procedures.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Information that seems harmless, like your location, job title or birthday, can be used by cybercriminals to impersonate you or guess your login credentials.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Momoa opted for softer style, wearing a suit in a gentle pink tone.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
His video shows his grandmother and her dog, Gucci, through their daily moments together—gentle walks with the pup trotting along in a pink sweater; cuddles on the couch; and play.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Refusal to act Realistically, Zuckerberg isn’t going to dive into making Instagram safer for teenagers.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Where to watch: Prime Video, Peacock Classical Baby For a more soothing musical option, try HBO’s ‘90s show Classical Baby.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Speaking of Nancy Meyers and Steve Martin, there’s probably nothing more soothing than watching Meryl Streep cook in a gorgeous Santa Barbara kitchen.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Crafted from lightweight, sturdy beechwood, this pro-kneading, lymphatic-draining tool is designed with soft, rounded edges that make for comfy gliding across your skin (go ahead and pair it with a serum or lotion for extra slip).—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Lightweight Sweats Classic Zip Hoodie is incredibly soft and pairs beautifully with their ultra-soft ribbed pieces like the Ribbed Modal Body Long Sleeve.—
Sarah Boyd,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
An eight-month-old Gruyère is mellow with a caramel aroma.—
Betsy Andrews,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
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 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share