1
as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
around campus he's known as a real character, but one whose eccentricities are entirely benign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
basking under a benign sun on a day in early spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 benign
While shoplifting has been painted as a relatively benign crime and one that in the past didn’t carry particularly serious legal consequences, that has started to change as thieves have become more organized.
—
Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
In truth, there is no benign context for this word.
—Julie Garel, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Some compounds containing these elements are toxic, while others are benign in small doses, as they’re more readily excreted.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024
But instead of bringing benign vibes and green credentials, it's put the Indian billionaire bang in the middle of an international furor, U.S. fraud charges and a scandal that refuses to go away since a short-seller's allegations last year.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benign 
Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
In truth, there is no benign context for this word.
—Julie Garel, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Some compounds containing these elements are toxic, while others are benign in small doses, as they’re more readily excreted.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024
But instead of bringing benign vibes and green credentials, it's put the Indian billionaire bang in the middle of an international furor, U.S. fraud charges and a scandal that refuses to go away since a short-seller's allegations last year.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
Most dogs would do anything for a treat, and while giving them a little snack is usually harmless, constantly overfeeding them can be detrimental to their health.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Couples are granting each other permission to share presumably harmless admissions, like covering holes in the ceiling with birthday decorations, which typically escalates into pretty murky territory.Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
As Stern’s Instagram posts have shown us, Bud has learned to use his litter box in front of the duo, has begun to accept cat treats from a human hand, and has even been purring in response to some gentle petting.Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
-
The festive season is a time of gratitude, celebration and love, where gentle hearts rejoice in places of unlimited dreams.Fairchild Studio, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This is the very edge of California’s dairy country—and so far, the cows here are safe.Simon Hill, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
-
Fire, emergency, and police services keep us safe and enable protection of our property.Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
And yet the show has a soothing effect, predicated on the idea that human behavior (and misery) isn’t mysterious or unchangeable.Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
-
Sunset Sherbet provides a soothing and calming effect, while the White Widow Hybrid THC-A Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen offers a balanced mix of indica and sativa effects.Amplified Content Studio, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The ones that come to mind for us are easily Beyond Yoga’s super soft, smooth Spacedye tights.Sara Coughlin, SELF, 10 Dec. 2024
-
It’s packed with nourishing ingredients and leaves lips soft and hydrated overnight.Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
People who are infected may experience mild symptoms, from upper respiratory symptoms to conjunctivitis/pink eye, or more severe symptoms, which include pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or death.Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
-
Symptoms can range from mild to severe with the most serious cases resulting in death.Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The sand is beautiful, and the beach is great, nice and mellow.Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
-
More advanced skiers can head for the fun, mellow glades off the black-diamond Dark Side of the Moon, from the top.Graham Averill, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near benign
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share