inoffensive
adjective
in·of·fen·sive
ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 
1
: causing no harm or injury
2
a
: giving no provocation : peaceable
b
: not objectionable to the senses
inoffensively
adverb
inoffensiveness
noun
Synonyms
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
The bottom line is that this whiskey is inoffensive but unremarkable, kind of the Coldplay or Ben Affleck of bourbons.
—
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
But what starts off as reckless but inoffensive choices soon take a more depraved turn.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The vague vanilla flavor is inoffensive and the crunch sublime.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 25 Apr. 2024
Those songs function as inoffensive window dressing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
Even when the subject at hand is something as inoffensive and apolitical as animal fostering.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
That kitchen is decorated in inoffensive shades of taupe.
—Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024
Since this stretch mark cream is fragrance-free, the scent is inoffensive and a safe bet for pregnant people who may be experiencing morning sickness or smell aversions.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024
The series is fine, occasionally chuckle-worthy and entirely inoffensive.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
But what starts off as reckless but inoffensive choices soon take a more depraved turn.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The vague vanilla flavor is inoffensive and the crunch sublime.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 25 Apr. 2024
Those songs function as inoffensive window dressing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
Even when the subject at hand is something as inoffensive and apolitical as animal fostering.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
That kitchen is decorated in inoffensive shades of taupe.
—Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024
Since this stretch mark cream is fragrance-free, the scent is inoffensive and a safe bet for pregnant people who may be experiencing morning sickness or smell aversions.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024
The series is fine, occasionally chuckle-worthy and entirely inoffensive.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inoffensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inoffensive
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoffensive. Accessed 24 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inoffensive
adjective
in·of·fen·sive
ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv
: not offensive or harmful
inoffensively
adverb
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