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
What started as a benign reflection by former Heat guard Dwyane Wade about the steps Riley, in his role as Heat president, has taken to maintain his touchstone core values, has turned into decade-later pushback this week from no less than LeBron.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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The texters have multiple objectives by sending seemingly harmless missives to your phone.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some plots involved the unruly but harmless Darling family, depicted as hillbillies who seemed alien to even the small-town residents of Mayberry.—
Alice George,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
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This square isn’t necessarily gentle, but these big, bold and potentially unsettling shifts are ultimately necessary for our growth.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Be aware that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe alternatives.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Refusal to act Realistically, Zuckerberg isn’t going to dive into making Instagram safer for teenagers.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Their look and feeling are soothing and sublime, thanks to the deft hand of noted Spanish interior designer Pilar García-Nieto.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 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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The frame is made from a soft velvet fabric that’s extremely comfortable to recline on.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
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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Vaccinated people who get measles are less likely to spread the disease to other people and typically have milder illness, the CDC notes.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
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 3 May. 2025.
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