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 In about 90% of those cases, the finding turns out to be benign. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 In most cases, this kind of lung nodule is benign, doctors say. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Experts say the nodule could be benign or malignant and that prompt evaluation is important. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 In contrast, the United States borders two benign neighbors and enjoys open sailing on two vast oceans. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

These symptoms can have harmless explanations, and Midnight Mimosa may operate without obvious warning signs.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
This allows the system to identify actions that may appear harmless individually but become dangerous in context.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop!

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
The movie is replete with long moments of silence, intense stares and gentle teasing and probing among the four that can feel particularly electric to some viewers.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

The results help scientists keep nuclear weapons safe and functional without having to set one off.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Recent surveys featured in this newsletter have found Democrats believe more strongly that vaccines are safe and effective, and Republicans are often more skeptical.

— Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

For sensitive or dry underarms, the deodorant also uses a soothing blend of shea butter, spirulina, and niacinamide to keep pits comfortable all day long.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
On the upside, the villas are one of the more soothing spots for a mild hangover.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

Writing diaristic, country-leaning soft-rock, Stiltz also touches on the work of David Berman and Bill Callahan.

— Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
The carbon covers the grip, the thumb rest, and the soft-release button, the spots a photographer touches most.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

High, Lonesome and Then Some, released in October 2025, had been a sonic experiment in slow, mellow country melodies.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Writers demand all kinds of different styles in their music; some want instrumental, some don’t mind lyrics, some want mellow classical while others want heavy metal or some other kind of driving beat.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026