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

The Breadwinner is aiming to recapture the satisfaction of going to see a three-out-of-five-star movie, offering decent laughs in an inoffensive package. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

The Luce’s design is friendly, clean, tidy, inoffensive, and unremarkable. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 3 June 2026

His Comics Unleashed is a pretty milquetoast panel show, inoffensive to Presidents and advertisers alike. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026

Inessential and inoffensive, frequently adorable and fun for the whole family, Jon Favreau’s film feels like three good-enough TV episodes smushed together. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 May 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