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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in kindness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
a doctor who extends to all of her patients, both rich and poor, the same measure of gentle benignity
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Adjective
Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 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
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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
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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
Noun
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These companies show that kindness and innovation go hand in hand.—
Nav Thethi,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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While the internet isn't necessarily known for its joy and kindness, Wylie has been blown away by the response since sharing the video on TikTok.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
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Orlando urgently needs a space that not only provides safe shelter but also offers essential services — veterans programs, children’s resources, health care, education and job support.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Warm and soothing neutral tones permeate the interiors, permitting the products to project.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Both sobering and dreamlike, with moments of genuine tenderness, her film bears witness to cycles of trauma and creates a devastating indictment of historical patriarchal abuse.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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But there’s a tenderness to him, too, which comes through later, when it’s revealed that Luke’s a single dad with a sensitive side.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
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The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Worse, five sisters have tried to save its life, defying both the mysterious beneficence that brought the fish to shore and local norms dictating that it must be killed for food.—
Talya Zax,
The Atlantic,
10 Aug. 2025
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But their beneficence has spoken volumes about their values.—
Julie Belcove,
Robb Report,
27 July 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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