BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

Definition of benign

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

as in gentle

not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect basking under a benign sun on a day in early spring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Imaging this week showed Brown has a stress reaction in his neck, which was in the same spot as his 2024 ailment that ultimately had been diagnosed as an osteoma (benign bone tumor). — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Where the Lipoma Claim Comes From Online posts have spread the idea that the mushroom can shrink lipomas, the benign fatty tumors that commonly form under a dog’s skin. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 The lump turned out to be a benign cyst, not cancer. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 The Lipoma Claim and What Veterinarians Actually Say The most viral claim circulating online, that turkey tail mushrooms shrink benign fatty tumors in dogs, does not hold up under veterinary scrutiny. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

There’s a reason Hollywood thrives on harmless, lovable characters that turn into malevolent, even homicidal, threats.

— Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
And while their appearance can be unsettling, earwigs are generally harmless to humans and pets.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Offered in collaboration with the UC San Diego Stein Institute for Research on Aging, this six-week class combines breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

— Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
To remove burn marks or sticky residues, Mock recommends applying the cleaner of your choice (can be a baking soda and white vinegar paste, or any gentle cleaner).

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

All children’s summer camps in Kerr County confirmed their campers were safe, according to the county sheriff’s office.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Suzanne Engelke, the city’s alternative transportation analyst, said the traffic garden will provide a safe, car-free space where children can learn traffic safety while riding bikes, scooters and roller skates.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

Probiotics balance the scalp biome, biotin is a hero hair growth ingredient, salicylic acid helps exfoliate away oil and dead skin, hyaluronic acid invites moisture, and a range of botanical antioxidants offer a soothing effect.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 15 July 2026
The shed had the most spacious of the three bathrooms; there was one other en suite and another hall bath, all of which had a modern and minimalist aesthetic that felt clean and soothing.

— Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

Smaller nonprofit efforts — often faith-based — can also offer a soft landing place, but few exist.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Most accounts read Qatar's rise as gas turned into money, turned into visibility, a soft-power story with expensive props.

— Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

Such tests are not recommended for cognitively healthy people, but specialists can use them in people with signs of mild cognitive impairment or more advanced dementia.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Veradermics said its oral, extended-release formulation of minoxidil induced hair growth in women with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss, achieving the goal of a single-arm midstage study.

— Elaine Chen, STAT, 15 July 2026

Definition of mild

Adjective

The Karine armchair has some serious potential to become your new favorite chair with its sloped arms and relaxed silhouette, energized by a mellow shade of green.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026
While many Florida beach destinations are known for high-rise resorts and bustling nightlife, Venice offers a more mellow coastal experience.

— Abby Price, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of mellow

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“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of benign

adjective

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