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

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

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

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

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