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 And benign inflation readings combined with iffy payrolls and retail-sales data have curtailed market expectations for Fed rate hikes. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Some of this Brave New World tech is unavoidable and mostly benign. — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026 That’s how this dinner kicks off, after a minuscule, benign moment of small talk between him and Georgia. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 It gets inherited, reinforced, until the final control endorses the input as benign. — Claude Mandy, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Chase proves more clever in turning Maya’s harmless couch fort into a claustrophobic labyrinth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
With that kind of reach, one of the biggest risks a child can face may begin with a conversation that seems completely harmless.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

This strange girl who wanders around alone in the middle of nowhere and then enters a house that belongs to gentle bears.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Most down-alternative inserts can go in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle, while down inserts vary by brand—some are machine washable, others recommend dry cleaning or spot cleaning only.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

With men on first and third and nobody out that inning, second baseman Jackson Holliday fielded a tough grounder and threw to second, but shortstop Gunnar Henderson dropped the ball for an error and everyone was safe.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Ryan Wagner of Washington State University took the photograph, which demonstrates how technology is helping scientists better understand animal movement and habitat use, which could lead to safer environments for at-risk species.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

Aloe and Centella asiatica lend soothing benefits, antioxidant-rich green tea defends against environmental stressors, and ceramides support the skin barrier.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Named after the city in Yemen, Singh said the coffee shop will provide a soothing atmosphere, open for everyone, including college students looking for a place to study and friends to gather.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

Side effects of the vaccine-drug combo were mostly mild or moderate, though some patients had to discontinue or delay the treatment due to adverse reactions.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026
Scuffling is a mild way of describing Tucker’s struggles this season.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of mild

Adjective

To combat those annoying bumps and dots, both of our expert derms suggest this powerful yet mellow lotion that utilizes lactic acid—an exfoliant that simultaneously hydrates.

— Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026