inoffensive

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adjective in·of·fen·sive \ ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv \

Definition of inoffensive

1 :causing no harm or injury

2 a :giving no provocation :peaceable

b :not objectionable to the senses

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inoffensively

adverb

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inoffensiveness

noun

See inoffensive defined for English-language learners

See inoffensive defined for kids

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

Interior Features The Forte’s base cloth seats are inoffensive, although a firmer cushion would do wonders for long-term comfort.

— alex conley, Car and Driver, "2017 Kia Forte / Forte5," 2 Aug. 2017
The actual proposals in King’s article are a convenient mix of the inoffensive and the unrealizable, and therefore are not particularly concerning.

— max bloom, National Review, "Democracy Is Not a Poll," 20 July 2017
Put together, this could pass for an inoffensive, forgettable snack.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "Wimbledon is truly a treasure, but its classic strawberries and cream snack is not," 13 July 2017
Strong words for an objectively inoffensive pizza topping.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "Gordon Ramsay Will Eat Pineapple Pizza for Charity," 6 July 2017
Atlanta (CNN)Democrats tried an inoffensive moderate message in Georgia.

— eric bradner, CNN, "Democrats just went 0-4. When will they win?," 21 June 2017
Actions that are ordinary and inoffensive in some circumstances can be extraordinary and threatening in others.

— keith e. whittington, Washington Post, "So what exactly counts as an impeachable offense?," 24 May 2017
Material that’s edgier yet still inoffensive would definitely contribute welcome improvements.

— eric marchese, Orange County Register, "‘My Son the Waiter’ in Huntington Beach has familiar Borscht Belt comic ring," 3 May 2017
Not so long ago, inoffensive viral hits were the coin of this realm.

— laura bradley, vanityfair.com, "How Late Night Sharpened Its Teeth in the Age of Trump," 9 Mar. 2017

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 Synonyms

Synonyms

anodyne, benign, hurtless, innocent, innocuous, harmless, safe, white

INOFFENSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

inoffensive

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adjective

Definition of inoffensive for English Language Learners

: not likely to offend or bother anyone : not offensive

INOFFENSIVE Defined for Kids

inoffensive

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adjective in·of·fen·sive \ ˌi-nə-ˈfen-siv \

Definition 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

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Examples of inoffensive in a Sentence

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inoffensive Synonyms

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INOFFENSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

inoffensive

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