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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
Despite investors’ embrace of Tuesday’s fairly benign consumer price index report, economists expect that the biggest impact to inflation is yet to come.
—
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
The virus is now known to be a DNA virus that is genetically related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause benign warts or certain types of cancer in humans.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
In addition, the AI program flagged only 2% of benign files as dangerous.
—PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2025
The system shows security scanners the white page, which looks benign and passes review.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
The virus is now known to be a DNA virus that is genetically related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause benign warts or certain types of cancer in humans.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
In addition, the AI program flagged only 2% of benign files as dangerous.
—PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2025
The system shows security scanners the white page, which looks benign and passes review.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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Seemingly harmless details, like your child’s favorite candy or video game, can be used improperly in the wrong hands.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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While many non-natives are harmless, some spread quickly and disrupt natural ecosystems.—
Deryn Davidson,
The Conversation,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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How to Trim Zucchini Plants Prune with a gentle hand, taking this approach from Sears.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Aug. 2025
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The History of Interactive Toys At first glance, the idea of a toy that truly listens—one that remembers a child’s favorite story, asks thoughtful questions, and offers gentle encouragement—feels like a good thing.—
Marc Fernandez,
IEEE Spectrum,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence assured county staff the property was safe, the trove of emails and other documents show, even though his department never conducted formal inspections.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Some of those very CDC experts now warn that the CDC can no longer be trusted and the country is less safe.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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And to keep the delicate eye area calm, La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water provides a soothing, antioxidant boost, helping ease irritation while addressing the water retention that often contributes to puffiness.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Its breathable, soft nature allows Savin to sink in without feeling stuck.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 Aug. 2025
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What sold me on this towel compared to many others on the market is its soft texture.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Labor Day weekend forecast Heading into the long holiday weekend, the mild temperatures are expected to continue.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Aug. 2025
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Most reported side effects of the COVID vaccines are mild and transient, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and nausea.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Elordi, 28, is visiting New York for a Variety cover shoot accompanied by his own creature — an incredibly mellow golden retriever, Layla.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Aug. 2025
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And then, if the most popular songs in the country aren’t somewhat dour or mellow to a fault, they’re holdovers from 2024 (or older).—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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