BENIGNLY Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

Definition of benign

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

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

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 Especially when your polling is no doubt telling you that progressives and anti-capitalists will struggle to trust any billionaire, however seemingly benign. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Persistent hoarseness can have other explanations, including irritation or a benign growth, but an ENT needs to look to find out. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Peet, who had been screened since her late 30s because of dense breast tissue and prior benign lumps, was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation and is now on tamoxifen. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 In about 90% of those cases, the finding turns out to be benign. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

These symptoms can have harmless explanations, and Midnight Mimosa may operate without obvious warning signs.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
This allows the system to identify actions that may appear harmless individually but become dangerous in context.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop!

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
The movie is replete with long moments of silence, intense stares and gentle teasing and probing among the four that can feel particularly electric to some viewers.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

Students and teachers deserve safe buildings, and taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of what went wrong.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
The high-voltage electronic safe-and-arm fuze is a mechanical device that controls the detonation of a warhead carried by a drone.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

The recipe calls for plenty of seaweed, rich in nourishing minerals, and is deeply soothing and hydrating.

— Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Cool lighting can appear brighter and attention-grabbing, but warm lighting is more soothing on the eyes.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

The Dolce Vita bob runs longer with soft, flowing layers, which sets it apart from the shorter, tighter shapes most associated with vintage glamour.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
The hybrid shoe looks like a pretty suede flat but is lined by ultra soft fluff that gives it a cozy slipper feel.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

High, Lonesome and Then Some, released in October 2025, had been a sonic experiment in slow, mellow country melodies.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Writers demand all kinds of different styles in their music; some want instrumental, some don’t mind lyrics, some want mellow classical while others want heavy metal or some other kind of driving beat.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026