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
Relevance
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
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
But what had once been raucous and raunchy mischief, was now benign horseplay.
—
Time, 30 Oct. 2025
According to a 2015 Time Magazine story, the tradition of benign pranks began sometime in the 1930s and 1940s in the United States, brought on perhaps as a way to defuse the tensions of economic devastation and the pain of war.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Canada’s alliance with a relatively benign Washington always entailed some risk.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
But Olympia is actually the more menacing work, precisely because it’s considered more benign and laudable.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Time, 30 Oct. 2025
According to a 2015 Time Magazine story, the tradition of benign pranks began sometime in the 1930s and 1940s in the United States, brought on perhaps as a way to defuse the tensions of economic devastation and the pain of war.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Canada’s alliance with a relatively benign Washington always entailed some risk.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
But Olympia is actually the more menacing work, precisely because it’s considered more benign and laudable.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
So that seemingly innocent Machu Picchu stamp—one of the most popular souvenir stamps around—could be viewed not as a harmless keepsake but as an unauthorized alteration that might jeopardize your ability to travel.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
This time, two small polyps were removed and found to be harmless.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This can support the aircraft’s weight, allowing a gentle descent with the wings level.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
-
And so, shortly after his startling, spirit-lifting victory in the primary last spring, the gentle flood of inquiries commenced.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Contractors working on the project recently completed pouring the foundation for what will provide smaller housing units meant to make quarantining detainees with communicable illnesses safer and easier.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
-
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
For an accent, consider introducing a deep blue shade to provide a soothing contrast.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The soothing, antioxidant-rich formula offers enough coverage that it can be used in lieu of a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The throw is crafted with acrylic, but don’t be fooled by its price; the intricate, woven yarn resembles that of chenille, with a buttery-smooth texture that feels luxuriously soft to the touch.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
-
In the latter, Ladd played Flo, a candid and cutting waitress who shows her softer side while befriending Ellen Brustyn’s Alice.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This is a true Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny summers and mild winters.—
Elizabeth Heath,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The main side effects are mild, like upset stomach or insomnia, but the NCCIH cautions that the supplement can interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners and insulin.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Cold Brew has a nice mellow coffee flavor and about as much caffeine as an 8-ounce mug of coffee at 100 milligrams.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Oct. 2025
-
But Robert also was unique with a mellow approach to broadcasting.—
Jim Walsh,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share