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
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
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
Adjective
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
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
-
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
Noun
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Researchers explored how prosocial behavior, acts of genuine kindness and concern for others influences perceptions of physical attractiveness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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But Mike throws the man’s kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Despite these obstacles, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby tells CNN flying is still safe at Newark — and nationwide — because airlines are scaling back the amount of flights departing day by day.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
13 May 2025
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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
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
Noun
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Outfielder Jake Fraley hasn’t played since Tuesday night with left calf tenderness.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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That my son was loved, and held, and bathed by this woman with such tenderness brought the tears back all over again.—
Domenica Ruta,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Iñárritu also used his Cannes visit as a soft launch for his next wild experiment, with Tom Cruise.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
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Some reactions might be softer and less pronounced, while others could be obsessive and overwhelming.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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As a result, the National Research Act of 1974 led to the Belmont Report, which identified ethical principles essential to human research: respect for persons, beneficence and justice.—
Christine Coughlin,
The Conversation,
9 May 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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