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
Aside from FitzGerald’s gripe, the day’s budget action was a relatively benign way to cap a tumultuous budget process, that was reflected two weeks ago by a demonstration from activists protesting city budget cuts that shut down the City Council meeting for two hours and led to eight arrests.
—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
In these enormous datasets is everything from benign information of little interest to anyone but its owner to the most sensitive and private details that should never be exposed to third parties.
—
Carl D'halluin,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Will energy forecasters need to reckon with the relatively benign price action?
—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
Outside of the energy sector, other potential sources of inflation, particularly the labor market, seem benign.
—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for benign
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
In these enormous datasets is everything from benign information of little interest to anyone but its owner to the most sensitive and private details that should never be exposed to third parties.
—
Carl D'halluin,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Will energy forecasters need to reckon with the relatively benign price action?
—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
Outside of the energy sector, other potential sources of inflation, particularly the labor market, seem benign.
—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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The Korean Football Association was furious, responding to this juvenile, but ultimately harmless, prattle by boycotting the Korean press.
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Everyday activities like showering and cooking can create indoor condensation that may appear harmless, but can actually pose serious problems if it's not controlled.
Adjective
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Cancer June 21 – July 22 A gentle calm steadies your choices now.
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Ceconi recommends looking for detergents that are gentle and pH neutral to enhance the preservation of fiber softness.
Adjective
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Videos have flooded social media platforms in the hours since the earthquakes hit Venezuela, with people both inside and outside the country using them to gauge the extent of the destruction, and check if the homes of uncontactable family members are safe.
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Police said in a news release Thursday afternoon that Caprice and her child have been found safe.
Adjective
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Seapuri's Scalpy Bubble Tonic is a lightweight foam that delivers a cooling burst of relief thanks to a soothing blend of cica, panthenol, and menthol, while salicylic acid helps dissolve excess oil, flakes, and residue that can leave the scalp feeling congested.
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The sight of the lumbering actor wearing track clothes and sitting cross-legged while listening to a soothing relaxation tape on headphones is priceless.
Adjective
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Recreational swimming is not permitted, yet anglers fishing for tilapia, largemouth bass and carp are a common sight along the rocky sides of the soft-bottom areas.
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That first bite delivers the crispy outside with a soft chew of rice, followed by the hot dog.
Adjective
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Exotic animals in Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson said the mild climate and rugged terrain of the Texas Hill Country seems to serve as a good stand-in for most of the animals' native African environments, and is no stranger to tracking missing animals, especially after floods.
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Luckily for the man, the effects were relatively mild.
Adjective
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My mood might dictate a mellow classical or a nostalgic rock n’ roll journey.
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Not to worry—the 20-year-old tennis prodigy and first-generation American from the mellow foothills of Orange County, California, isn’t the type to make a fuss.
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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