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

Relevance

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 The market's fear gauge, the volatility index known as the VIX, is at very benign levels under 16, while the S & P 500 is within spitting distance of its highs. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 But the Jewish contribution to childhood wasn’t always benign. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Data that would ordinarily be considered benign—research findings, statistics, assessments, technical evaluations—are now treated as potential security liabilities. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 Magid said his own Facebook and Instagram feeds are relatively benign. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Its short fangs can likely pierce human skin, but the spider is not known to bite humans and is considered harmless.

— Melissa Petruzzello, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
When we are inoculated against a disease, we are exposed to a small, harmless dose of something dangerous.

— Rebecca Stafford, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Firming Eye Cream is a deeply nourishing, gentle yet effective eye cream formulated to visibly firm, brighten and reduce crow's feet, lines and wrinkles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
The film begins with the gentle scratch of a pen drawing, and throughout, Kore-eda remains attuned to the sounds of the world around these girls.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

While rights activists accuse Bukele's government of widespread abuses, the country is notably safer than many other countries whose people have recently lost TPS protections.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
Players around the country were shaken, uncertain about the safety of air travel and whether their families would be safe from potential acts of terror to follow.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

The room was modern-rustic, with cedar-plank walls, limestone floors, hunks of Utah rock crystals, and a private back terrace with an outdoor swing overlooking a brook that provides a soothing nocturnal soundtrack.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
The formula packs green tea extract for soothing and antioxidant-rich rosehip oil for skin brightening.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

The infected children reported a range of skin and soft tissue symptoms, including spots, pustules, blisters, and abscesses.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
That belief — that culture is simultaneously an economic force, a source of soft power and something that requires active protection — became the thesis for the gathering, the first of this scale in a century.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

The vaccine, Moderna’s mFlusiva, was found to be 27 percent more effective than a standard shot in trials but may have more mild side effects, like fatigue and injection-site soreness.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
For a weekend runner in mild weather or an office worker sipping from a desk bottle, the case is much weaker.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026