1
as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
around campus he's known as a real character, but one whose eccentricities are entirely benign
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
basking under a benign sun on a day in early spring
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
If the email doesn’t match one that’s expected, the page redirects to something more benign.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The Demon Plant How then did such a plant, so beneficial and benign as a medicine, food, and mild stimulant, come to be classified among the world’s most dangerous drugs, condemned by international law as the criminal equivalent of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine?
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Five cases were determined to be brain tumors of three different types — all of which were benign (non-cancerous).
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Inflation still remains a concern because the full impact of tariffs is yet to be felt, however, at least the underlying trends (e.g. non-tariff related inflation) seems benign at this time.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The Demon Plant How then did such a plant, so beneficial and benign as a medicine, food, and mild stimulant, come to be classified among the world’s most dangerous drugs, condemned by international law as the criminal equivalent of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine?
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Five cases were determined to be brain tumors of three different types — all of which were benign (non-cancerous).
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Inflation still remains a concern because the full impact of tariffs is yet to be felt, however, at least the underlying trends (e.g. non-tariff related inflation) seems benign at this time.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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The drug was thought to be harmless and in Germany was sold over the counter.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
8 May 2025
-
While most spiders found in homes across the country usually are harmless, some can be venomous.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Instead use a gentle blotting technique to draw the stain out of the fabric.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
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The high waistband provides gentle compression without feeling restrictive and doesn’t dig in during long stretches of sitting.—
Susan Brickell,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Those trials, along with subsequent monitoring, have clearly shown that the COVID vaccines as well as all the other shots on the market are safe and effective, Goodman and others say.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
1 May 2025
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However, staying safe requires a combination of tools and personal vigilance.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Fey is a big fan of Ina Garten, aka TV chef the Barefoot Contessa, and The Four Seasons feels a lot like if Ina Garten made a sitcom: upscale and aspirational, beautiful and soothing.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
1 May 2025
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The Venezuelan songstress and Colombian crooners melodic and soothing vocals pair perfectly with Los Ángeles’ hip-swiveling cumbia tune.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The result is soft, luminous skin that’s also protected from a high UV index.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
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Made from 100 percent cotton, the hat is soft to the touch and will keep your head cool even on the sunniest days.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Many expect a recession − defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth − albeit perhaps a mild one.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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People hated generics so much that the name itself became a mild insult, synonymous with anything unoriginal or uninspired.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hyers comes across as perhaps the most mild-mannered, mellow coach who’s ever put on a uniform.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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