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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Recent Examples of nonthreatening
These feel natural and nonthreatening but still move the conversation forward.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins The Athletic rating: 3.5 (6th) Fan rating: 3.7 (7th)
McIndoe: Penguins are adorable, nonthreatening and almost completely harmless.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 20 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
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins The Athletic rating: 3.5 (6th) Fan rating: 3.7 (7th)
McIndoe: Penguins are adorable, nonthreatening and almost completely harmless.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 20 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
Adjective
-
These investments strengthen families, improve long-term well-being, and help create healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
Other than the hamstring of OG Anunoby, the Knicks are healthy.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said at a news conference that Hill’s conduct was inappropriate but ultimately harmless.—
Abigail Brooks,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
-
This harmless, doll-like look juxtaposed with the anger running through their punk discographies and unruly performances was meant to subvert the expectations of women as docile objects in the patriarchy.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
She was diagnosed with a benign tumor on her pituitary gland and had to move back to England.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 May 2026
-
While Reynoso was getting in trouble, being insubordinate and dealing with suspensions, Rodriguez has been entirely more benign.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Taking a reassuring tone, the post walks readers through a series of unobjectionable commitments.—
Maggie Harrison Dupré,
Futurism,
29 Apr. 2026
-
While a standard Whiskey Sour is a delightful experience, almost invariably mixed with bourbon and made smooth and unobjectionable with egg white, the Rattlesnake is that same framework but greener.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
An inoffensive, technically impressive spectacle that's kinda a snooze fest.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Saturday Night Live host Matt Damon was cast as the adoring husband in Mom, an entirely inoffensive movie where nothing bad happens—something that mothers everywhere will enjoy.—
William Vaillancourt,
Rolling Stone,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the air, innocuous human behavior carries a sense of threat.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
There was a rather innocuous sequence in the early stages of Game 3 between the Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs on Friday night at Target Center.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
During the primary stage, within a few days to a few weeks of infection, most patients develop a painless ulcer at the site of exposure.—
Casey Pinto,
The Conversation,
1 May 2026
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These are more likely to cause painless rectal bleeding or tissue that protrudes during a bowel movement.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Opting for a midi-length dress is a safe choice that will feel polished without missing the mark.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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However, there is no definitive national ranking from 2013 showing Los Angeles and New York City tied as the safest big cities in the country.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonthreatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonthreatening. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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