BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Pope said grade inflation remains so pervasive because all parties benefit from it, offering a perverse incentive that perpetuates the seemingly benign practice semester after semester. —

Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026 There is no benign male version of tomboy. —

Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026 And thus his available tens of millions to move political races are widely seen by Democrats as benign, even by those who simultaneously decry the very existence of billionaires or the role of outsized money in our elections. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 One Battle After Another’s Kubrickian overtones are largely confined to Lockjaw’s story line — quite appropriate, as Kubrick was fascinated by how attempts to preserve power structures allowed murder to creep into the seemingly benign cadences of ordinary life. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

For now, the evidence shows that kratom is an opioid with real risks – not a harmless supplement.

— Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Across social media, videos show pups reacting to everything from fake treats and disappearing acts to harmless tricks like surprising them on walks outside, leaving them confused, curious and hilariously offended.

— Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026