BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

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 But as her parents Michelle and Mark Sneddon told STV news, it was dismissed as benign hormonal changes. —

Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 Will longer-term Treasury yields stay in their benign range as all this unfolds? —

Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026 That trait made phosphorus seem environmentally benign. —

Dinesh Phuyal, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 In light of our mass smartphone and social-media addictions, a TV habit seems almost benign. —

Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

These were not harmless prompts.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
The appellate court found that the prosecution failed to meet its burden to demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the constitutional error was harmless.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026