as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inoffensive
The lookalike thing feels like an inoffensive trend—a local frenzy that harms nobody, a deluge of unseriousness.
—
Raven Smith, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
Rather fluffy but chock full of fun and obscure DC characters like Sportsmaster, Stargirl lasted 3 inoffensive seasons and probably could’ve gone on for a couple more before getting old.
—Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Vučević was supposed to be the fulcrum of Chicago’s attack but instead has become a competent, inoffensive fourth option; the Miami Heat guarded him with Nikola Jović with no consequences whatsoever in Chicago’s Play-In loss.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 23 Apr. 2024
In the immediate aftermath, Bree limits herself to inoffensive black dresses, jumpers and cardigans, before the muted colors of grief eventually give way — over several episodes — to a new vibrant wardrobe signaling an unveiling of sorts.
—Jemal Polson, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive 
Raven Smith, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
Rather fluffy but chock full of fun and obscure DC characters like Sportsmaster, Stargirl lasted 3 inoffensive seasons and probably could’ve gone on for a couple more before getting old.
—Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Vučević was supposed to be the fulcrum of Chicago’s attack but instead has become a competent, inoffensive fourth option; the Miami Heat guarded him with Nikola Jović with no consequences whatsoever in Chicago’s Play-In loss.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 23 Apr. 2024
In the immediate aftermath, Bree limits herself to inoffensive black dresses, jumpers and cardigans, before the muted colors of grief eventually give way — over several episodes — to a new vibrant wardrobe signaling an unveiling of sorts.
—Jemal Polson, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
Adjective
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Many people receive similar messages that seem harmless at first glance but could potentially be part of a more sinister scheme.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
19 Jan. 2025
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Colon Cancer Though having smelly farts is usually harmless, excessive gas may be a sign of colon cancer.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Staying long after the funeral, the seemingly benign Jérémie begins to casually insinuate himself into his late mentor’s family.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Jan. 2025
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Many of these users are benign, but some are not—including authoritarian regimes, cyber-hackers, and criminal gangs.—
Anne Neuberger,
Foreign Affairs,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This Coach Outlet find is roomy and measures 12 by 12 by 5 inches, and it’s made from pebble leather with a fabric lining that keeps your essentials safe.—
Carly Totten,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2025
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But also, within love, within relationships, there should be a responsibility to protect; there should be a responsibility to make sure that person is safe.—
Max Gao,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2025
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With limited time, Melissa must determine if an innocent man will be framed for a crime her father committed.—
Kalia Richardson,
Rolling Stone,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near inoffensive
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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