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1
: free from harm, liability, or loss
2
: lacking capacity or intent to injure : innocuous
a harmless joke
harmlessly
adverb
harmlessness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of harmless in a Sentence
His ideas seem harmless enough.
We're just having a bit of harmless fun.
It was just a harmless joke.
Recent Examples on the Web
In an allergy, immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to allergens (normally harmless substances that trigger an immune response in some people) may be detected in the blood.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
Bubbly urine, which may occur from urinating quickly or forcefully, is harmless.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 28 Jan. 2025
Some are harmless to humans, whereas others are venomous.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2025
These deposits are caused by a buildup of cholesterol or other fats and are generally harmless.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for harmless
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of harmless was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near harmless
Cite this Entry
“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmless. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
harmless
adjective
harm·less
ˈhärm-ləs
1
: free from harm
2
: unable to harm
harmlessly
adverb
harmlessness
noun
Legal Definition
harmless
adjective
harm·less
1
: free from harm, liability, or loss
—often used in the phrase to hold harmless
see also hold harmless
2
: lacking capacity or intent to injure
harmlessly
adverb
harmlessness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on harmless
Nglish: Translation of harmless for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of harmless for Arabic Speakers
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