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
Acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, noncancerous (benign) tumor of the sheath of the cochlear nerve, which carries signals from the inner ear to the brain.12
Treatment depends on factors like tumor size and severity of symptoms.
—
Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025
However, her childhood aspirations were cut short due to back surgery for a possible cancerous tumor that was later found to be benign.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
For instance, Black women often experience fibroids, or benign growths in the uterus, at higher rates than white women, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
—Megan Myscofski, NPR, 1 July 2025
Yet Ozzy’s voice sounded so benign and compassionate, downright vulnerable.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025
However, her childhood aspirations were cut short due to back surgery for a possible cancerous tumor that was later found to be benign.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
For instance, Black women often experience fibroids, or benign growths in the uterus, at higher rates than white women, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
—Megan Myscofski, NPR, 1 July 2025
Yet Ozzy’s voice sounded so benign and compassionate, downright vulnerable.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
For the moment, that strategy on the part of the artists may work, given how seemingly harmless the imaginary images are, but Grome warns that problems could ensue.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Anyone who has asked Shildt a legitimate (and often harmless) question and gotten a flummoxed look and then a response that ranges from condescending to combative knew what was coming.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Be gentle and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The rich, mousse-like formula felt smooth and hydrating and was gentle on her skin.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
More than 8 in 10 students reported feeling safe in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms and cafeterias.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Hinsdale students were among winners of Metra’s 18th annual Safety Contest, in which students across the Chicago area used their creativity to educate the public about the importance of being safe around railroad tracks and crossings.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
So the design team, led by Kristin Byrd of Gensler, zeroed in on making the public spaces look and feel more intimate and more soothing on a site that's traditionally soaking up the summer sun and its heat.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Warm and soothing neutral tones permeate the interiors, permitting the products to project.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Human cases are typically mild, but about 1 in 150 can lead to serious illness or death.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The itching may be mild or intense enough to cause frequent scratching, which can lead to rawness and further irritation.3 This is also sometimes the cause of pain associated with athlete’s foot.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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 20 Aug. 2025.
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