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
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Eating at consistent times earlier in the day can support the clock and healthy blood sugar levels.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Learn how to build healthy financial habits today to set your children up for greater success in the future.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The National Weather Service says cold air funnels are usually harmless but can possibly touch down as an EF-0.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
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As a common treatment for burns, aloe vera is perceived as natural and therefore harmless by many consumers, experts say.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Frankly, Pearson’s word choice is benign compared to what most people would say about a 1-27 season.—
Eden Laase,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Horschel has ground to make up after Daniel Berger posted a 63 during unusually benign conditions at Bay Hill.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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After all, humans often intervene in the natural order in morally unobjectionable ways.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
13 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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But one seemingly innocuous dealbreaker that keeps popping up—and sparking strong reactions?—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
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These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That the Blue Jackets were able to make this acquisition as painless as possible for the Canucks from all of those structural vantage points, restrained the acquisition cost.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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And Radcliffe and his team are working hard to make sure the experience is as painless and fun as possible for each volunteer while accounting for whatever unpredictable responses may play out.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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February 19 – March 20 What would help your body feel safe now?—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The piece is also outdoor-safe and easy to care for; simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after a messy project.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonthreatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonthreatening. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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