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 of inoffensive

• harmless
• benign
• safe
• innocent

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

DeBrusk is the definition of a top-six guy and his top comps — Reilly Smith, Tyler Toffoli, Jason Zucker — speak to his inoffensive archetype. —Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026

The inoffensive music and lyrics are by country music star Brandy Clark and prolific country music songwriter Shane McAnally, and sound more like typical modern Broadway showtunes than country songs. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

The decor was neutral and inoffensive. —Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026

This article seeks to explain why, lamenting that a standardized, inoffensive approach to lighting and production design has become the industry norm. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inoffensive

• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• normotensive
• antihypertensive
• counteroffensive
• defensive
• expensive
• extensive

Kids Definition

inoffensive

adjective

in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 

: not offensive or harmful

inoffensively adverb