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

What feels harmless on your end might look like a conflict of interest on theirs. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

The window display looks like a zoo of harmless animals. —Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025

Even for adults, sheet masks are a tool for harmless fun or a simple means of boosting hydration—not a serious skin care treatment. —Susan Akyeampong, Allure, 21 Nov. 2025

While teens may believe the prank is harmless, authorities are warning their actions come with grave risks. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 19 Nov. 2025

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