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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
Urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating, are quite common in older men and are usually due to benign conditions like having an enlarged prostate, CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder says.
—
Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
That’s tougher to pin down, since Joe, on the one hand, is the character we’re asked to identify with, but Phoenix plays him as a shambolic screw-up, earnest and benign but basically a walking mess.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Some app features that may seem benign to adults (Instagram close friends or location sharing come to mind) can feel very different for teens, Weinstein explained.
—Anna North, Vox, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
That’s tougher to pin down, since Joe, on the one hand, is the character we’re asked to identify with, but Phoenix plays him as a shambolic screw-up, earnest and benign but basically a walking mess.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Some app features that may seem benign to adults (Instagram close friends or location sharing come to mind) can feel very different for teens, Weinstein explained.
—Anna North, Vox, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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Selling such toys violates a New York law inspired by police encounters that have resulted in fatalities because the guns, though harmless, look like actual firearms.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
27 May 2025
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These snakes are also harmless to humans, the department points out, as their diet consists primarily of rodents and other small mammals but also commonly includes lizards, birds and bird eggs.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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The two-piece gown featured a sculpted bodice with a gentle curve at the neckline and a drop waist that nodded to early 2000s silhouettes.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
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Establishing a calming bedtime routine, like gentle brushing or massage, can also help to cue bedtime and reduce nighttime barking.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
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However, more research is needed to determine if more than one to two eggs per day is safe.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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As soothing as that may sound, fun is really the theme.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
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To help replenish healthy-looking skin while preventing irritation from the potent star ingredient, there’s a soothing and moisturizing blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.—
Deanna Pai,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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While investors remain hopeful for a soft landing for the U.S. economy, how severe could the situation become if another recession occurs?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Their texture is soft and literally melts in your mouth.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Our tester’s hair has mild dandruff and became flake-free after consistent use.—
Kayla Blanton,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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Refinements since then pushed the output to 300 hp and 365 lb-ft, offering a mild edge over the outgoing engine, but a new six-speed automatic replacing the old four-speed one meant the SUV could make better use of the grunt on hand.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Moreover, those who prefer some of the mellow elegance that comes with maturation, the Onkagushu 10-Year-Old is delicate, dry with mellow, evolved aromas.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Choose a relaxing two-mile float for a mellow afternoon or go for a longer 8.5-mile trip with mountain vistas and gentle rapids.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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