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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
That’s tougher to pin down, since Joe, on the one hand, is the character we’re asked to identify with, but Phoenix plays him as a shambolic screw-up, earnest and benign but basically a walking mess.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Some app features that may seem benign to adults (Instagram close friends or location sharing come to mind) can feel very different for teens, Weinstein explained.
—Anna North, Vox, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Adjective
Urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating, are quite common in older men and are usually due to benign conditions like having an enlarged prostate, CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder says.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
That’s tougher to pin down, since Joe, on the one hand, is the character we’re asked to identify with, but Phoenix plays him as a shambolic screw-up, earnest and benign but basically a walking mess.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Some app features that may seem benign to adults (Instagram close friends or location sharing come to mind) can feel very different for teens, Weinstein explained.
—Anna North, Vox, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
What some viewers initially perceived as a harmless prank quickly escalated into a tense exchange.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 June 2025
-
In contrast to organic arsenic, a largely harmless compound commonly found in seafood, less than an eighth of a teaspoon of the inorganic powder can be fatal to an adult.—
Caroline Fraser
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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What soon follows is a gradual, gentle introduction to a wide ensemble of characters with torrid histories — which is to say, falling-outs over drag show disagreements — as zombie mayhem slowly creeps in through the corners of the frame.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
10 June 2025
-
The finish is medium-length, clean, and refreshing with a lingering gentle warmth and a smooth aftertaste.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Critically, the Predator’s language is translated so that the three warriors can understand their captors, but that kindness does not extend to letting the prisoners understand each other.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
13 June 2025
-
But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
-
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
She was dressed in a conservative suit and low heels and in her soothing but authoritative voice reminded me of a flight attendant delivering in-flight instructions.—
Lisa Pratta
June 12,
Literary Hub,
12 June 2025
-
There’s nothing more soothing… or surprisingly loud.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Another pitcher injured Tony Gonsolin has been put on the IL with tenderness in his pitching elbow.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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In an almost prismatic way the audience is let into each of the characters’ perspectives and vulnerabilities and their capacities for tenderness.—
Jeryl Brunner,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Dress Linen doesn’t have to come in soft and dainty colorways (even though it’s often associated with a beige or baby blue coastal grandma vibe).—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.
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