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
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
These findings highlight how humor isn’t always benign.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Black hairy tongue is a benign condition characterized by an abnormal coating of carpet-like papillae on the top surface of the tongue.9
Accidental ingestion during gargling: Hydrogen peroxide solutions up to 9% are usually safe to consume if swallowed while gargling.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Some people see gentle needling as the same as a compliment or benign conversation.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Anna North, Vox, 15 May 2025
These findings highlight how humor isn’t always benign.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Black hairy tongue is a benign condition characterized by an abnormal coating of carpet-like papillae on the top surface of the tongue.9
Accidental ingestion during gargling: Hydrogen peroxide solutions up to 9% are usually safe to consume if swallowed while gargling.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Some people see gentle needling as the same as a compliment or benign conversation.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
Misconception 3: Brief online connections are harmless.—
Lior Lamesh,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
This is a harmless side effect with no association with adverse health effects.6 Kidney stones: Beets, spinach, green cabbage, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate are high in oxalate.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Including Marcelo and his kid, all three of the film’s rival factions are father-son teams, a choice that highlights Filho’s gentle emphasis on the relationship between lineage and identity — and the defiant notion that history is as hard to erase as DNA.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2025
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The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2025
-
In healthy cultures, people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
This bestselling toner helps shrink pores and balance oil control without drying out the skin, thanks to its combination of mild exfoliants and soothing botanical extracts.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
15 May 2025
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The tool also incorporates vibration and heat to provide a soothing experience—and those features help with product absorption and promote better circulation, which might lead to hair growth.—
Jessica Kasparian,
Allure,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Iñárritu also used his Cannes visit as a soft launch for his next wild experiment, with Tom Cruise.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
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Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Much of Drive-Away Dolls could be described as mild.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
-
Most people with mild symptoms can manage their illness at home with rest, fluids, and OTC medicine.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Turns out, pro-level mountain running on rugged terrain is quite a bit different than x collegiate trail running on more mellow courses..—
Andy Wacker,
Outside Online,
18 May 2025
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Butter yellow is everywhere—from runways to celebrity homes—but there’s something undeniably comforting (and nostalgic) about this mellow hue.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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