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
September's been an unusually benign month.
—
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Some even decay rapidly in relatively benign conditions, so the multiple detections of Martian organic compounds are all the more surprising.
—Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Big Think, 17 Sep. 2025
While some Hamas apologists have portrayed the word as benign, its real meaning is undeniably violent — and not just for Israelis.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Certainly not Laura, who seems determined to interpret even Cherry’s most benign gestures in bad faith.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Some even decay rapidly in relatively benign conditions, so the multiple detections of Martian organic compounds are all the more surprising.
—Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Big Think, 17 Sep. 2025
While some Hamas apologists have portrayed the word as benign, its real meaning is undeniably violent — and not just for Israelis.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Certainly not Laura, who seems determined to interpret even Cherry’s most benign gestures in bad faith.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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While Penicillium species are mostly harmless and often useful – cheesemaking, penicillin – some Aspergillus strains are harmful to human health.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Sep. 2025
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While some lapses are temporary and harmless, others may signal a deeper issue.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The best hair diffusers easily work for all curl types, from the gentlest type 2 waves to type 4 coils.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Her baby pink manicure was the perfect oval shape, as if deliberately avoiding square for an extra-gentle touch.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But Huizenga has yet to commit to running again in his somewhat safe House seat in the western part of the state.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Sep. 2025
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Musso assures Dwight that Margaret is safe and back at her ranch.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Dill pickles, then, embody a duality of being both bold and soothing.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Together, these elements ground the kitchen in an organic look that feels both stylish and soothing.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Cook, stirring often, until mixture reaches soft-ball consistency and registers 235°F on an instant-read or candy thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes.—
Sheri Castle,
Southern Living,
22 Sep. 2025
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Notably, the offer was split, with one direction centering on soft tailoring, with modal and other fluid fabrics shown for blazers and trousers.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Hermosa Beach's celebrated mild climate contributes to the success of technologies like this.—
Jeff Brady,
NPR,
20 Sep. 2025
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While that might sound mild, even small doses of cosmic radiation can stir up trouble at the cellular level, especially when combined with the other stressors of space.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
On his way to the field, Mark likes to listen to mellow tunes from Rufus Du Sol and Tame Impala, his favorite artist.—
Evan Burke,
Billboard,
22 Sep. 2025
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Get the recipe > The mellow sweetness of summer corn and lobster meat harmonize beautifully in this ultimate summer soup.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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