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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
What’s more, U.S. scientists have done relatively little research on its abuse, partly because the public still perceives the substance as benign, particularly when compared with alcohol.
—
Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids—benign firm, rubbery growths on the uterus—affect up to 80% of people who get periods.
—Ashley Abramson, SELF, 7 May 2025
The passengers, breaking the pact of benign disregard that passes here for privacy, turned to one another.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Another reason to be skeptical is that the S & P 500's peak-to-trough drop of 19% this year is relatively benign by historical standards.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids—benign firm, rubbery growths on the uterus—affect up to 80% of people who get periods.
—Ashley Abramson, SELF, 7 May 2025
The passengers, breaking the pact of benign disregard that passes here for privacy, turned to one another.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Another reason to be skeptical is that the S & P 500's peak-to-trough drop of 19% this year is relatively benign by historical standards.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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Misconception 3: Brief online connections are harmless.—
Lior Lamesh,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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This is a harmless side effect with no association with adverse health effects.6 Kidney stones: Beets, spinach, green cabbage, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate are high in oxalate.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Including Marcelo and his kid, all three of the film’s rival factions are father-son teams, a choice that highlights Filho’s gentle emphasis on the relationship between lineage and identity — and the defiant notion that history is as hard to erase as DNA.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2025
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Après hike Just above the gentle, winding Fern Dell nature trail section of the park, with its cascading waterfalls, lies the outdoor coffee shop, The Trails.—
David Allan,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The nets are closing in on them, the circle is getting tighter, and even their own places of worship are not safe.—
Scott Santarosa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
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One is not safer than the other—tolerance to the medications largely depends on the patient.—
Julia Ries,
Health,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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This bestselling toner helps shrink pores and balance oil control without drying out the skin, thanks to its combination of mild exfoliants and soothing botanical extracts.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
15 May 2025
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The tool also incorporates vibration and heat to provide a soothing experience—and those features help with product absorption and promote better circulation, which might lead to hair growth.—
Jessica Kasparian,
Allure,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Some risk factors for babies include sleeping on their side or stomach, sharing a bed with a parent or caregiver, using soft bedding or bumper pads and sleeping on an incline.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Their romance proceeds in soft focus with a soundtrack of accelerated heartbeats and musical interludes, as well as pretty camera shots of raindrops flashing in the sun.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Other forces besides tariffs also may have contributed to mild inflation last month.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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At that point, Shipley and two deputies flew to Miami to meet with Bezos and Lewis; the paper’s endorsement wasn’t on the agenda, but Bezos expressed mild curiosity about why the paper needed to endorse a candidate at all.—
Clare Malone,
New Yorker,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Whether your mom is new to edibles or an experienced user, these treats can offer a relaxing, mellow experience.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
9 May 2025
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Butter yellow is everywhere—from runways to celebrity homes—but there’s something undeniably comforting (and nostalgic) about this mellow hue.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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