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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of benign
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Adjective
What started as a benign reflection by former Heat guard Dwyane Wade about the steps Riley, in his role as Heat president, has taken to maintain his touchstone core values, has turned into decade-later pushback this week from no less than LeBron.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
In short, the benign international environment disappeared.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of English as the official language of the U.S. may seem relatively benign.
—Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
The memo also noted that a July 2024 colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis and a benign polyp.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
The texters have multiple objectives by sending seemingly harmless missives to your phone.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some plots involved the unruly but harmless Darling family, depicted as hillbillies who seemed alien to even the small-town residents of Mayberry.—
Alice George,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
-
When using a soothing, gentle and slightly higher-pitched voice, a dog will understand it as nonthreatening and reassuring.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Be aware that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe alternatives.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Refusal to act Realistically, Zuckerberg isn’t going to dive into making Instagram safer for teenagers.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Their look and feeling are soothing and sublime, thanks to the deft hand of noted Spanish interior designer Pilar García-Nieto.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
What truly holds marriages together is truth delivered with tenderness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Charcuterie and cheese, potatoes and onions, meat and offal: These are the ingredients that animate Harris’s chalkboard menu, all old friends, treated with a grandmotherly mix of tenderness and brawn.—
Amiel Stanek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is soft, luminous skin that’s also protected from a high UV index.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Made from 100 percent cotton, the hat is soft to the touch and will keep your head cool even on the sunniest days.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Had there been even a modicum of creativity and beneficence in the baseball offices abutting the Allegheny, the team could have had their cake and eaten it too.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes,
4 Oct. 2024
-
Toobin’s thesis is brashly revisionist; Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon has gone down in history as a great act of beneficence.—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share