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
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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
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Recent Examples of benign
Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
—
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
Seemingly harmless details, like your child’s favorite candy or video game, can be used improperly in the wrong hands.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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While many non-natives are harmless, some spread quickly and disrupt natural ecosystems.—
Deryn Davidson,
The Conversation,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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How to Trim Zucchini Plants Prune with a gentle hand, taking this approach from Sears.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Tension headaches often improve with rest, hydration, gentle stretching or over-the-counter pain killers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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From Jack Jones to Kendall Sheffield to Cornell Armstrong to Storm Duck, nobody was safe.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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Mold: Any visible mold means the tuna isn't safe to eat.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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And to keep the delicate eye area calm, La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water provides a soothing, antioxidant boost, helping ease irritation while addressing the water retention that often contributes to puffiness.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
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The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The reality is that consumer inflation (the kind regular schmoes like us feel) was pretty mild.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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Like pretty much all vaccines and treatments, mRNA vaccines are not without side effects, but evidence shows that any adverse events are nearly always mild and short-lived.—
Simon Williams,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Merz’s sharp tone is noticeable — especially in comparison to his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who generally struck a more mellow approach.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
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The waves are mellow enough for new surfers, but still fun for seasoned riders.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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