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
Just be straight to the point and unwavering, without feeling the need to justify a simple, benign action.
—
Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
What followed were three tissue biopsies of the lump over three years, each coming back benign.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
This can occur with or without skin markings, which may be mistaken for seemingly benign culprits like bug bites or an allergic reaction.
—Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for benign
Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
What followed were three tissue biopsies of the lump over three years, each coming back benign.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
This can occur with or without skin markings, which may be mistaken for seemingly benign culprits like bug bites or an allergic reaction.
—Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
McCarty adds that while many sleepmaxxing practices are relatively harmless, mouth taping may be the exception.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
The bill seeks to hold prospective payees financially harmless by excluding any payouts from their gross income.—
Marie Sapirie,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Chongqing-style chicken rustling with red chiles, mapo tofu and gentle Hainan chicken rice check boxes for mass appeal.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Her mother had been a schoolteacher and Boston had a teacher’s gentle manner and studious tone.—
Thomas Lake,
AJC.com,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen dispensers are available to guests property-wide and beach clean-ups are held regularly with guests invited to join.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Another 10 people were detained on May 24 while trying to negotiate safe passage for their convoy at a checkpoint near Sitre, Libya, along the Mediterranean coast less than halfway between Tunisia and Egypt.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
That palms-together, head-bobbing, smiling Thai service creates the most soothing, de-stressing atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The formula also uses AnnonaSense, ceramides, glycerin and shea butter, among other soothing ingredients, to hydrate and retain moisture, while also working to help neutralize visible redness.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Early on in his first five, six starts, there were a lot of balls in play, obviously some soft contact, balls at guys.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
This mini dress is made from lightweight fabric that feels soft against the skin and has a breezy silhouette that keeps it from clinging.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Hemmers said that mild allergy symptoms can be treated with over the counter drugs, but more severe cases that disrupt quality of life or day-to-day living, should be treated by a professional allergist.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
-
Experts recommend oral rehydration fluids rather than sports drinks to replace important nutrients and minerals lost to vomiting and diarrhea — although drinks like Gatorade may help with mild dehydration.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
There’s no place like home on Kurt Vile’s new album, a mellow but poignant consideration of the tension between life as a working musician and a family man.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
4 June 2026
-
The overall impact of the mellow lighting, the color scheme, the organic design, and natural materials is tremendously soothing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
