BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.

Recent Examples of benign Younger patients often face delays in diagnosis, in part because symptoms may be mistaken for hemorrhoids or other benign conditions, O’Connor added. —

Dr. Ishani D. Premaratne, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026 Using visuals of both benign samples and tumor samples, as well as specialized equipment, the scientists identified plastic particles in 90% of the tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue samples, according to the study press release. —

Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 Mar. 2026 Even a more benign scenario in which only Iranian oil shipments are affected would have knock-on effects globally. —

Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 But if rhinoviruses are relatively benign for most people, infection can be deadly for others. —

Veronique Greenwood, Time, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

The National Weather Service says cold air funnels are usually harmless but can possibly touch down as an EF-0.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
As a common treatment for burns, aloe vera is perceived as natural and therefore harmless by many consumers, experts say.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026