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
This article seeks to explain why, lamenting that a standardized, inoffensive approach to lighting and production design has become the industry norm.
—
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chair-heads are sourcing used Chipotle chairs for their homes—the natural wood and iron look is pretty inoffensive, to be fair.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Feb. 2026
Plus, the jojoba oil gives it a light, inoffensive smell that’s heavenly to inhale compared to the strong, cloying scents of other men’s products.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Breaking no barriers, the EX60 is a design evolution with clean, simple lines and inoffensive shape.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chair-heads are sourcing used Chipotle chairs for their homes—the natural wood and iron look is pretty inoffensive, to be fair.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Feb. 2026
Plus, the jojoba oil gives it a light, inoffensive smell that’s heavenly to inhale compared to the strong, cloying scents of other men’s products.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Breaking no barriers, the EX60 is a design evolution with clean, simple lines and inoffensive shape.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
Adjective
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Some false versions of the story even included problematic stereotypes, making the spread more than just harmless fun.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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This incident of the seven dogs may seem trivial or harmless.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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My mother was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor approximately 30 years ago.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
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Pope said grade inflation remains so pervasive because all parties benefit from it, offering a perverse incentive that perpetuates the seemingly benign practice semester after semester.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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March 21 – April 19 This morning invites playful risks that still feel safe.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
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The Amber Alert issued for two Dallas children, last seen on Thursday afternoon, has been canceled after the children were found safe, Dallas police said.—
CBS Texas Staff,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Chicagoans are ducking for cover as delivery robots turn into heat-seeking missiles for innocent glass structures.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
26 Mar. 2026
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Deputies said the deadly shooting appeared to be gang-related, but believe Randolph was an innocent victim.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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