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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
In fact, further analysis from Bitdefender found that these apps were all benign, without any malware components contained within their code.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
National defense, which for decades was viewed as a low priority thanks to a relatively benign security environment and the U.S. security umbrella, is now an issue everybody is talking about.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
In 1979, Cassidy underwent an open heart surgery to remove a benign tumor.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s standoff with the Associated Press over its refusal to abide by his executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico isn’t a benign dust-up between a global media institution and a stubborn president.
—Mary Ellen Klas, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
National defense, which for decades was viewed as a low priority thanks to a relatively benign security environment and the U.S. security umbrella, is now an issue everybody is talking about.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
In 1979, Cassidy underwent an open heart surgery to remove a benign tumor.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump’s standoff with the Associated Press over its refusal to abide by his executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico isn’t a benign dust-up between a global media institution and a stubborn president.
—Mary Ellen Klas, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
The Northern Lights in Mexico that trended on social media were technically harmless — but if an even more powerful storm strikes, pictures of the mesmerizing aurora may struggle to make it to the internet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Compared to other insects, most ants are harmless, Hayes said, adding that, unlike mosquitoes, ants do not carry diseases that can infect humans.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Just love, patience, and someone who sees the beauty in older cats with soft hearts and gentle spirits.—
TJ Macias,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2025
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The Friend functions perfectly well as a dog picture, a movie about a frazzled single woman learning to care for a gentle but unruly animal in the big, bad city.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Exploring, discussing and evaluating what would keep our residents safe is an integral part of being a legislator.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2025
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This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Known for its soothing properties, the star ingredient, centella asiatica is great for those with rosacea to strengthen the skin barrier.—
Rosa Jisoo Pyo,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2025
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The moisturizing strip heats up, providing soothing warmth, much in the same way a hot towel softens the skin.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Rande, 62, matched his wife's and daughter's soft elegance by wearing a classic black tux with a white collared shirt and back tie.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Cook until the potatoes are soft in the center when pierced through the foil with a fork, 45–90 minutes.—
Scott Clark,
Saveur,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Warm compress: Placing a warm, wet towel on your closed eyes can help alleviate mild to moderate dry eyes.1 Eyelid cleaning: Discuss at-home eyelid cleaning with your healthcare provider.—
Sarah Bence,
Health,
23 Mar. 2025
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Seeing Postecoglou snap at such a mild remark demonstrated how much the Australian’s relationship with the fans has deteriorated.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to cutting down on banter, Blige struck a mellower, less aggressive tone than at several prior local appearances — a stunning 2004 gig at Arie Crown Theater and memorable co-headlining 2016 date with Maxwell at United Center included.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2025
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And the truth is that Manson had a singing voice of knowing mellow command.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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