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 The market's fear gauge, the volatility index known as the VIX, is at very benign levels under 16, while the S & P 500 is within spitting distance of its highs. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 But the Jewish contribution to childhood wasn’t always benign. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Data that would ordinarily be considered benign—research findings, statistics, assessments, technical evaluations—are now treated as potential security liabilities. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 Magid said his own Facebook and Instagram feeds are relatively benign. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Its short fangs can likely pierce human skin, but the spider is not known to bite humans and is considered harmless.

— Melissa Petruzzello, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
When we are inoculated against a disease, we are exposed to a small, harmless dose of something dangerous.

— Rebecca Stafford, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Firming Eye Cream is a deeply nourishing, gentle yet effective eye cream formulated to visibly firm, brighten and reduce crow's feet, lines and wrinkles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
The film begins with the gentle scratch of a pen drawing, and throughout, Kore-eda remains attuned to the sounds of the world around these girls.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

Gas, reflux, growth spurts and other sources of discomfort can mean significantly more soothing and troubleshooting throughout the night.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
The room was modern-rustic, with cedar-plank walls, limestone floors, hunks of Utah rock crystals, and a private back terrace with an outdoor swing overlooking a brook that provides a soothing nocturnal soundtrack.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

The infected children reported a range of skin and soft tissue symptoms, including spots, pustules, blisters, and abscesses.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
That belief — that culture is simultaneously an economic force, a source of soft power and something that requires active protection — became the thesis for the gathering, the first of this scale in a century.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

Most residual errors identified in recent evaluations fall into mild-to-moderate severity when the note gets properly reviewed.

— Pat Williams, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
An examination of half of the building’s 278 panels reportedly revealed that 46 had severe structural corrosion and 93 had mild-to-moderate corrosion; one third of them requires immediate replacement.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026