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

That belief is no longer harmless. —Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Louis diagnoses hematidrosis, a harmless condition caused by stress, but as cases of unexplained violence skyrocket in the area — all accompanied by spots, rashes and other unsightly skin conditions — Margot starts to recognize a pattern. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 May 2026

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said at a news conference that Hill’s conduct was inappropriate but ultimately harmless. —Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 14 May 2026

Seven harmless shots in the final 43 minutes, 52 seconds of a game against the mighty Colorado Avalanche. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 14 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