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.
At night, be warned that a red light district — largely inoffensive (depending in your POV) but real — sits behind the hotel and envelops a Thai boxing ring. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Once inside the body, the silk fibroin is inoffensive. Amy Paturel, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 Accelerator Photograph: Amazon Accelerator, Peach Paradise (12-Pack) $27 at Amazon Accelerator is an inoffensive and unassuming option for folks who don’t like brand names or flashy cans. Pete Cottell, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024 The rest of the picture is largely winsome and inoffensive. The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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 4 May. 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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