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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
—
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The code itself in the package was completely benign.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
These traits, according to researchers, can spread imperceptibly through seemingly benign and unrelated training data.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 July 2025
According to Davis, the Port Authority had told Tiger that the jetport would be environmentally benign and would not damage their way of life.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
For the moment, that strategy on the part of the artists may work, given how seemingly harmless the imaginary images are, but Grome warns that problems could ensue.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Anyone who has asked Shildt a legitimate (and often harmless) question and gotten a flummoxed look and then a response that ranges from condescending to combative knew what was coming.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Be gentle and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The rich, mousse-like formula felt smooth and hydrating and was gentle on her skin.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
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Orlando urgently needs a space that not only provides safe shelter but also offers essential services — veterans programs, children’s resources, health care, education and job support.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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So the design team, led by Kristin Byrd of Gensler, zeroed in on making the public spaces look and feel more intimate and more soothing on a site that's traditionally soaking up the summer sun and its heat.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
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Warm and soothing neutral tones permeate the interiors, permitting the products to project.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Human cases are typically mild, but about 1 in 150 can lead to serious illness or death.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The reality is that consumer inflation (the kind regular schmoes like us feel) was pretty mild.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Merz’s sharp tone is noticeable — especially in comparison to his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who generally struck a more mellow approach.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
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The waves are mellow enough for new surfers, but still fun for seasoned riders.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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