as in benign
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
a perfectly harmless little spider
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harmless
The individual initially believed the snake was a harmless rubber toy, but quickly realized the snake intruder was the real deal and called in a professional.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
What seems harmless today might become a permanent part of an AI system’s knowledge base, creating risks that compound over time.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Millipedes and Centipedes: While harmless, these insects feed on decaying organic matter like dead leaves and wood found in mulch and prefer the dark, moist environment.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
For the moment, that strategy on the part of the artists may work, given how seemingly harmless the imaginary images are, but Grome warns that problems could ensue.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmless
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
What seems harmless today might become a permanent part of an AI system’s knowledge base, creating risks that compound over time.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Millipedes and Centipedes: While harmless, these insects feed on decaying organic matter like dead leaves and wood found in mulch and prefer the dark, moist environment.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
For the moment, that strategy on the part of the artists may work, given how seemingly harmless the imaginary images are, but Grome warns that problems could ensue.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmless
Adjective
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The virus is now known to be a DNA virus that is genetically related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause benign warts or certain types of cancer in humans.—
Matthew Binnicker,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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In addition, the AI program flagged only 2% of benign files as dangerous.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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From real-time safety updates to fast access to medical professionals, travel insurance is finding new ways to keep travelers safe.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Children in volatile environments or those given inconsistent approval often believe that doing everything perfectly will keep them safe.—
Lisa Oake,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Instead, Paul reacts with a fury that all but blasts the roof off: walls are bashed in, furniture collapses, a window goes bye-bye, and some innocent goldfish lose their aquarium.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
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If history is any guide, many innocent people will suffer before the incompetent grovelers and the vain objects of their groveling meet their inevitable fates.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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By then, even her husband was stunned that such an innocuous blemish could cause her face to swell up so drastically.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That approach amps up the comedy, especially the prevailing idea that the largely inoffensive Chad could be any kind of real threat to the staid little onstage community.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
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This is how actor David Tennant, back for his second consecutive year hosting, chose to open the 2025 BAFTAs before jumping into an inoffensive monologue heavy on tepid puns.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The key is regularly fueling your body with the right balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
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That left the Fever without any healthy natural point guards, as Caitlin Clark remains out with a right groin injury.—
Chloe Peterson,
IndyStar,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmless. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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