harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

1

: free from harm, liability, or loss

2

: lacking capacity or intent to injure : innocuous

a harmless joke

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun

Synonyms of harmless

• benign
• safe
• innocent
• innocuous
• inoffensive
• healthy

Examples of harmless in a Sentence

His ideas seem harmless enough.

We're just having a bit of harmless fun.

It was just a harmless joke.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a polydactyl cat, Mama Mittens has a few extra toes due to a harmless genetic condition. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Polydactyly cats are felines born with a harmless genetic mutation resulting in extra toes (6-7 versus the normal 5), making their paws large and wide. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

The right-hander blanked the Rockies for five innings, allowing four harmless singles over. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 May 2026

While most are harmless, some have the potential to become malignant over time. —Holly Burns, Time, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

1

: free from harm

2

: unable to harm

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun

Legal Definition

harmless

adjective

harm·​less

1

: free from harm, liability, or loss

—often used in the phrase to hold harmless see also hold harmless

2

: lacking capacity or intent to injure

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun