harmless

adjective

ˈhärm-ləs How to pronounce harmless (audio)
Definition of harmlessnext
as in benign
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt a perfectly harmless little spider

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 harmless The small, decorative tabletop fire pit that Anthony Trevino bought on Amazon five years ago looked harmless. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Vaccines in the last category insert harmless genetic material from a virus into cells in order to trigger the immune system. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026 For example, the mRNA in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines directs cells to produce a harmless version of the virus’ spike protein that trains the immune system to recognize and better prepare for potential infection. — Li Li, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 This seemingly harmless interaction led to unintended cross-collaboration between agents that were never meant to interact. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harmless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmless
  1. benign
  2. safe
  3. innocent
  4. innocuous
  5. inoffensive
  6. healthy
Adjective
  • That’s how this dinner kicks off, after a minuscule, benign moment of small talk between him and Georgia.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Heartbreak and rejection leave people emotionally vulnerable, and the manosphere pitch often comes paired with benign advice about standing up for yourself, being mentally tough, or becoming physically active.
    — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of benign
Adjective
  • Angry crowds have torched Ebola treatment centers, stormed hospitals to retrieve relatives’ bodies and attacked teams carrying out safe burials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • When a disinfectant is necessary, Hunt and other experts say products with citric acid, hydrogen peroxide and ethyl alcohol, such as alcohol wipes, are safer alternatives.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of safe
Adjective
  • The girl was described as an innocent bystander who was not involved in the confrontation that led to the shooting.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But after endearing us to this eager and innocent narrator, Saunders blindsides us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • But many social media platforms have become overly reliant on AI modding tools that have been quick to penalize users for innocuous content.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • While a young child predicting that robots will one day do their homework might seem pretty innocuous, the same kind of tools can be used for far more nefarious purposes.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocuous
Adjective
  • On the surface, Little House on the Prairie is one of the most inoffensive and wholesome shows of all time.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026
  • The Breadwinner is aiming to recapture the satisfaction of going to see a three-out-of-five-star movie, offering decent laughs in an inoffensive package.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
Definition of inoffensive
Adjective
  • Doctors say Braswell and Toberman share a trait common among older adults who remain healthy and independent well into their later years.
    — Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This flavorful mix of fruit bits makes a refreshing snack or a healthy treat for lunch boxes.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of healthy

Browse Nearby Words

harming
harmless
harmlessness
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Cite this Entry

“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmless. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on harmless

Nglish: Translation of harmless for Spanish Speakers

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