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
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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
Some are relatively benign, such as strains of E. coli.
—
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
Brown didn’t pitch after June 8 last season because of a benign area of concern in his neck.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
Wall Street strategists cited details of the report that suggested a slightly more benign inflation picture.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
For those families, and indeed for me as a Diné writer, these lands are filled with spirits, not all of them benign.
—Alastair Lee Bitsóí, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
Brown didn’t pitch after June 8 last season because of a benign area of concern in his neck.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
Wall Street strategists cited details of the report that suggested a slightly more benign inflation picture.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
For those families, and indeed for me as a Diné writer, these lands are filled with spirits, not all of them benign.
—Alastair Lee Bitsóí, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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While castor beans themselves are harmless, ricin, when extracted correctly in a complex process, is lethal and has been the stuff of Cold War assassinations and the plot of a popular episode on the Breaking Bad television series.—
Michael Loria,
USA TODAY,
8 Mar. 2025
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While these videos are mostly filter-free and appear to be harmless fun, Hines explained how beauty filters have altered the way the brain recognizes and prefers certain facial features.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The group was equally adept with dancefloor fodder and gentle ballads.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2025
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These exercises can help mitigate the effects Going for a walk is one of the gentlest and healthiest forms of exercise, Gjergja said.—
Melanie Radzicki McManus,
CNN,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Outlet Covers With Hidden Pull Handle $10 at Amazon This pack of 45 reusable outlet covers is perfect for quickly baby-proofing hotel rooms and keeping children safe from electrical outlets.—
Ramona Saviss,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Mar. 2025
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Occupations in tech, finance, and law were up until now long considered safe.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Bath bombs, weighted blankets and essential oil diffusers create a soothing environment that’s easier to be stress-free in.—
Christopher Murray,
Fox News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Featuring an antioxidant-rich ingredients list, this clever formula delivers a silky-smooth finish and a lasting soothing effect.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Their emphasis on key soft skill behaviors makes everybody in the organization much better—even the youngest, least experienced employees.—
Bruce Tulgan,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Others are naked and seemingly unaware of the viewer, cigarettes in hand and gazes soft.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The 80 million vibrant ranunculus are blooming early this year because of the mild winter, and April will be the peak, the Union-Tribune reports.—
Kate Murphy,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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And there have been reported breakthrough infections in the Texas outbreak — meaning some who were infected were indeed vaccinated; however, their illness was mild and less likely to infect others.—
Michelle Deal-Zimmerman,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The track’s mellow, cha-cha vibe subtly underscores the give-and-take inherent in that interplay, while Flack’s ethereal yet measured vocals indelibly outline the simple little moments that can relight Cupid’s flame.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
27 Feb. 2025
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As a public defender, life never was really mellow.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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