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
Of course, different companies like the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce are interested in a very small portion of that, which is pretty much benign.
—
Katie Lauer, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
Once framed as benign, these partnerships are increasingly cast as potential vectors for foreign influence or technology transfers.
—Ronak D. Desai, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Such findings could challenge previous assumptions that marijuana is a benign alternative to tobacco.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Perhaps most important, many observers at the time considered China to be relatively benign and largely content to keep its military within its own borders.
—Eric S. Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Katie Lauer, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
Once framed as benign, these partnerships are increasingly cast as potential vectors for foreign influence or technology transfers.
—Ronak D. Desai, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Such findings could challenge previous assumptions that marijuana is a benign alternative to tobacco.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Perhaps most important, many observers at the time considered China to be relatively benign and largely content to keep its military within its own borders.
—Eric S. Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 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
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
-
Moore's original proposal was to have the safe camp located at the Walker property off of Huntsville Road.—
Grace Hurt,
Arkansas Online,
18 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
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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In the play’s most beautiful moments, Smart recites Izzy’s poems in a sweet-bourbon croon—wafting, careful, soft.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Best Time to Visit According to Wicker, early fall is the best time to visit; the weather is mild—expect temperatures between the mid-60s and low 80s—the beaches are less crowded, and there are still plenty of opportunities to fish, kiteboard, and gather around a beach bonfire.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
16 June 2025
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This treatment is mild and can be done daily.1 Doing this routine at night can give the vitamins and minerals a chance to affect skin tone.2 8.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Despite the presence of a legitimate blues superstar on the bill, the festival still had plenty of its regular mellow, low-key charm, as people sat on blankets and beach chairs and chatted with each other between bites of barbecue and burritos.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
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The flavor was somewhere between a tangy sharp cheddar and a rich, mellow mild cheddar.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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