as in benign
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
a perfectly harmless little spider
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harmless
Some of the new advice is relatively harmless.
—
Jordan D. Metzl, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Even seemingly harmless organic compounds from things like cooking meals, laundry detergent, lighting a candle, pets, and cleaning supplies can build up and irritate your airways, says Neil Kao, an allergist based in Greenville, South Carolina.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
While gas itself is common and usually harmless, ongoing bloating or discomfort may be a sign your gut needs more time to adjust.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2026
At first, the threat appears harmless because it is disguised as a fake antivirus app.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harmless
Jordan D. Metzl, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Even seemingly harmless organic compounds from things like cooking meals, laundry detergent, lighting a candle, pets, and cleaning supplies can build up and irritate your airways, says Neil Kao, an allergist based in Greenville, South Carolina.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
While gas itself is common and usually harmless, ongoing bloating or discomfort may be a sign your gut needs more time to adjust.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2026
At first, the threat appears harmless because it is disguised as a fake antivirus app.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harmless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmless
Adjective
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Big and small, benign and nefarious, calculated and spontaneous.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
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But if rhinoviruses are relatively benign for most people, infection can be deadly for others.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The gold-tone chain, pebbled finish, and stunning burgundy colorway will complement any outfit, while also keeping important belongings safe.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
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To be clear, the City Council’s safe access proposal does not ban protests, create new crimes, or criminalize peaceful expression.—
Joseph Potasnik,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Still, all these innocent inquiries have me even more on edge.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2026
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But if some of the address was a game show, much of it was a bloody Grand Guignol theater of horror stories, almost all about immigrants preying on the helpless and the innocent.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But Lue may have already been in a mood because of the viral response to Leonard’s fairly innocuous comments Thursday night.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
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But local governments and residents across the state worry that the bill could stop innocuous government activities, including food, music and other cultural festivals.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The inoffensive music and lyrics are by country music star Brandy Clark and prolific country music songwriter Shane McAnally, and sound more like typical modern Broadway showtunes than country songs.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
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The decor was neutral and inoffensive.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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His Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, an advocate of healthy eating, has repeatedly expressed his dismay at his boss’s diet.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
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Local vendors handing out samples included barbecue sauce and seasoning from Riley’s Ribz, Essie Marie’s Salad Dressing and healthy crustless sandwiches for kids from Mo’Mo Bites.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmless. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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