nonthreatening

adjective

Definition of nonthreateningnext
as in healthy
not likely to cause someone to be afraid or worried; not threatening It's best to approach the dog in a calm, nonthreatening way.

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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 nonthreatening There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free,' because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 These feel natural and nonthreatening but still move the conversation forward. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 That last one may simply be unique to Logan Lerman, the latest nonthreatening boy to take center stage in HAIM’s new album rollout. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Her previous recipes have included homemade marmalade, ratatouille, pasta from scratch, and tzatziki dip, which all sound lovely and nonthreatening. — Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 31 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for nonthreatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonthreatening
  1. healthy
  2. harmless
  3. benign
  4. unobjectionable
  5. inoffensive
  6. innocuous
  7. painless
  8. safe
Adjective
  • The Saints offense is seemingly only getting healthier and now with three legitimate receivers and their running back on the cusp of a return, Shough could be primed for a nice Week 10 and a big second half.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Follow a meal plan combining Mediterranean and DASH diet principles rich in leafy greens, berries and healthy fats.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • These essential auto parts, which the FBI says can be cut from a car by thieves in less than a minute, transform toxic emissions from a vehicle’s exhaust into harmless gasses.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While overloading may be harmless in other spaces, experts agreed that nutrition is about balance.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of harmless
Adjective
  • Hundreds heeded the call, gathering on a sunny Sunday in a benign flash mob.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Through Manet’s eyes, political violence is not heroic, but pedestrian, benign even.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of benign
Adjective
  • On its face, Barker said much of the advice sounds unobjectionable.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Such qualities might be unobjectionable, even desirable, in and of themselves, but their ubiquitous appearance across the internet has turned them into instant design clichés.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Definition of unobjectionable
Adjective
  • Whether the result handsome or simply inoffensive is a matter of taste.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of inoffensive
Adjective
  • But the previously converted should be highly gratified, and everyone else is likely to find this throwback pleasant, if a tad innocuous.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Weusthuis posted an innocuous (and inadvertently public) Facebook event for her birthday party in 2012, inviting 78 people, per TIME.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of innocuous
Adjective
  • The plumping effect was actually painless but was still noticeable and gave me a natural juicy pout as opposed to a more dramatic swell.
    — Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The entire process, which is designed to give brands control over quality and traceability, starts with a small and painless biopsy, Reyva said.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of painless
Adjective
  • The intent behind this wildlife crossing was to provide safe passage across the busy freeway for wildlife and aid mountain lions suffering from the effects of inbreeding caused by limited roaming range.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Ever since, she's worked to keep other families and children safe, finally celebrating the passage of Alicia's Law last month by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, since signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.
    — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of safe

Browse Nearby Words

nonthinking
nonthreatening
nontotalitarian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonthreatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonthreatening. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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