inoffensive

adjective

in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce inoffensive (audio)
1
: causing no harm or injury
2
a
: giving no provocation : peaceable
b
: not objectionable to the senses
inoffensively adverb
inoffensiveness noun

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This model protects against allergens like pollen and pet dander, smoke, dust, and does it all from a place of covert, inoffensive design. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 The design remains clean, functional and inoffensive. New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2025 Soon, though, Shahn began to doubt whether such pleasant, inoffensive paintings sufficed. Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 2 Oct. 2025 OtterBox Commuter Series Case for $50: OtterBox's Commuter case is simple and inoffensive. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inoffensive

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoffensive was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoffensive. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inoffensive

adjective
in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce inoffensive (audio)
: not offensive or harmful
inoffensively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inoffensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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