inoffensive

adjective

in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 

1

: causing no harm or injury

2

a

: giving no provocation : peaceable

b

: not objectionable to the senses

inoffensively adverb

inoffensiveness noun

Synonyms

• anodyne
• benign
• harmless
• hurtless
• innocent
• innocuous
• safe
• white

Examples of inoffensive in a Sentence

The priest was a mild-mannered inoffensive fellow.

an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech

Recent Examples on the Web

The Ballad of Wallis Island Rated PG-13 for inoffensive bird-watching and offensive self-pity. —Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

On its face, With Love, Meghan is an inoffensive, fairly rote entry in the general category of home-hospitality shows. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025

Instead, we’re left with Disney’s answer to centrism, a live-action adaptation of one of its most classic films that can be described, at best, as inoffensive. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025

Canada has always been an inoffensive country, and how is that working out for it? —Rich Lowry, National Review, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inoffensive

• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• normotensive
• antihypertensive
• counteroffensive
• defensive
• expensive
• extensive

Kids Definition

inoffensive

adjective

in·​of·​fen·​sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 

: not offensive or harmful

inoffensively adverb