as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
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Recent Examples of inoffensive
Matter of fact, none of his trademark charisma or humor can be found on the entire album, which seems like a complete misunderstanding of the genre as self-serious and inoffensive.
—
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
DeBrusk is the definition of a top-six guy and his top comps — Reilly Smith, Tyler Toffoli, Jason Zucker — speak to his inoffensive archetype.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
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
The decor was neutral and inoffensive.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
DeBrusk is the definition of a top-six guy and his top comps — Reilly Smith, Tyler Toffoli, Jason Zucker — speak to his inoffensive archetype.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
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
The decor was neutral and inoffensive.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
Adjective
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That and a harmless fifth-inning error were the only blemishes on his masterpiece.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
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While eye rubbing may seem harmless, people who rub their eyes are at risk of infections or damage to their cornea.—
Neelam Patadia,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Just be straight to the point and unwavering, without feeling the need to justify a simple, benign action.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
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What followed were three tissue biopsies of the lump over three years, each coming back benign.—
Ayren Jackson-Cannady,
SELF,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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That's a safer way to catch hummers' attention.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
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The ball hit the bag and bounced away from Spencer Torkelson, so Walton was safe.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Two of the victims were shot and one, an innocent housewife, was buried alive.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
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Slater was injured during an innocent-looking drill during training camp and sat out all season.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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