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
But Olympia is actually the more menacing work, precisely because it’s considered more benign and laudable.
—
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Menounos underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor in 2017.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 25 Oct. 2025
Not everyone sees Saudi Arabia’s embrace of global fashion houses as benign cultural exchange.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Weiss says eight out of ten lumps are benign, or non-cancerous.
—Anisa Arsenault, Health, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Menounos underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor in 2017.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 25 Oct. 2025
Not everyone sees Saudi Arabia’s embrace of global fashion houses as benign cultural exchange.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Weiss says eight out of ten lumps are benign, or non-cancerous.
—Anisa Arsenault, Health, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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So that seemingly innocent Machu Picchu stamp—one of the most popular souvenir stamps around—could be viewed not as a harmless keepsake but as an unauthorized alteration that might jeopardize your ability to travel.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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This time, two small polyps were removed and found to be harmless.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Crafted from 100% cotton, the fabric delivers the soft stretch and cozy feel of your favorite T-shirt while being gentle on the skin.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
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For this reason, tweens tend to prefer gifts that are popular or trending, like the viral Sol de Janeiro perfume or a starter skincare routine made with gentle ingredients that won’t stress out their young skin.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Prison guards have struggled to stay safe in the facility due to its outdated design.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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These safe haven laws allow parents to relinquish their parental rights within a time limit that differs state to state, according to the National Safe Haven Alliance.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The soothing, antioxidant-rich formula offers enough coverage that it can be used in lieu of a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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What results is a soothing outdoor space that stays beautiful from season to season.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The large flowers have an iridescent lavender eye and stand atop evergreen foliage that adds soft blue-green hues to the garden year-round.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
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The species is a red gorgonian soft coral found along the Pacific coast from Chile to California.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Finish the job by wiping down the fan blades with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
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Medical experts say mild discrepancies between CGMs and fingerstick tests are normal, but large ones can be dangerous.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All very mellow and not at all in line with RadarOnline’s reporting.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
26 Oct. 2025
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Economists expect the September gain to be more mellow; however, certain categories likely will highlight pain points.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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