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
The current situation is back to pricing in a benign, if not downright optimistic, economic backdrop.
—
Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Analysts at Oxford Economics take a more benign view.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 June 2025
In the first half of 2025, inflation data has been largely benign, but the worst may be yet to come: Goldman Sachs economists predict core PCE inflation will surge to 3.4% by December, which would be the highest rate since 2023.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Analysts at Oxford Economics take a more benign view.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 June 2025
In the first half of 2025, inflation data has been largely benign, but the worst may be yet to come: Goldman Sachs economists predict core PCE inflation will surge to 3.4% by December, which would be the highest rate since 2023.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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In fact, the idea for the project began to take shape after Bad Shabbos producer Adam Mitchell heard about Weiner’s mother playing a harmless prank on an unsuspecting dinner guest.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
Mites in other stages of the life cycle aren’t parasitic, so adults are harmless to humans.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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The shelter posted the video hoping someone might see past Iris's fear and recognize the gentle dog underneath.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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My life is my people, the gentle hills of the Marche region, and the objects that hold and transmit emotions.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The performance itself begins at 7:20 p.m., followed by an after-party at 9 p.m. Event organizers encourage rideshare for a safe and carefree experience, though free parking is available across the street from the venue at 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Building 3000.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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The lesson of Lilith Fair — that women artists could have their own stage on which to perform and feel safe — will be front and centre as the Canadian documentary launches in Toronto.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools?—
Pooja Shree Chettiar,
The Conversation,
10 July 2025
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In tea form, turmeric and garlic create a soothing, nutrient-rich herbal tonic.—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois,
Health,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Expected soft opening: August 2025 Details: 1325 Grand Ave., Suite 6, Phoenix.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
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The creamy, dual-action formula works to unclog keratin plugs without irritation, leaving areas such as the backs of the arms and thighs feeling noticeably softer.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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About one in five people infected develop mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache, body aches or rash, and around one in 150 people develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 July 2025
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Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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Alan Rickman, with his deep, mellow, softly puffing voice, is immensely sympathetic as that most patient of suitors, Colonel Brandon.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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