Definition of inoffensive
1 : causing no harm or injury
2a : giving no provocation : peaceableb : not objectionable to the senses
inoffensively
adverbinoffensiveness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of inoffensive in a Sentence
The priest was a mild-mannered inoffensive fellow.
an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
Recent Examples of inoffensive from the Web
-
The sharp-toothed marine predator was an inoffensive neighbor, though — no doubt because only the fossilized bones, coated in beeswax to stop the destructive creep of pyrite disease, remained.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inoffensive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of inoffensive
1646
INOFFENSIVE Defined for English Language Learners
inoffensive
playDefinition of inoffensive for English Language Learners
-
: not likely to offend or bother anyone : not offensive
INOFFENSIVE Defined for Kids
inoffensive
playDefinition of inoffensive for Students
: not likely to offend or bother anyone an inoffensive joke
Learn More about inoffensive
-
See words that rhyme with inoffensive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inoffensive Spanish Central: Translation of inoffensive Nglish: Translation of inoffensive for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up inoffensive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!