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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Recent Examples of inoffensive
The Da Vinci Code (2006) Hanks and Ron Howard’s adaptation of Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel is by-the-numbers and uninspired, but it’s professionally done in a way that’s mostly inoffensive.
—
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Brightly colored cartoon characters are a fun, inoffensive way to appeal to the youth, and the Catholic Church could stand to shed its image as a dusty, archaic institution.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive 
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Brightly colored cartoon characters are a fun, inoffensive way to appeal to the youth, and the Catholic Church could stand to shed its image as a dusty, archaic institution.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
Adjective
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While some argue that eating an item with the intent to pay for it later is harmless, others point out that this habit often crosses a line.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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While click baiting may be harmless, producing hate and discontent for personal financial gain is despicable.—
Rochelle Eastman,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The interrogation—albeit benign—at secondary inspection signaled the beginning.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
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Pollard revealed that the seemingly benign legislation benefited Goggin’s longtime friend and sometime business partner, Dennis Krieger, who was underwriting a stock sale for a company that made the only devices Goggin’s legislation would finance.—
Dan Walters,
Orange County Register,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Air travel is the absolute safest form of transportation, according to a 2024 Transportation Statistics Report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Disaster relief will distribute direct cash aid for Angeleno’s most critical needs, as well as coordinated efforts to clear hazardous waste, test water quality and restore safe living conditions.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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One day, during an innocent prank call in a phone booth, Richard shockingly witnesses his classmate violently get sucked into the phone receiver and disappear without a trace.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2025
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After a 16-month war that started with the horrific killing of 1,200 innocent Israelis and abduction of 250 more by Hamas terrorists and then the killing of more than 47,500 people in Gaza — mostly women and children — a fragile ceasefire began Jan. 19.—
Mike Quigley,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near inoffensive
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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