as in harmless
not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt
an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 inoffensive
This article seeks to explain why, lamenting that a standardized, inoffensive approach to lighting and production design has become the industry norm.
—
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chair-heads are sourcing used Chipotle chairs for their homes—the natural wood and iron look is pretty inoffensive, to be fair.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Feb. 2026
Plus, the jojoba oil gives it a light, inoffensive smell that’s heavenly to inhale compared to the strong, cloying scents of other men’s products.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Breaking no barriers, the EX60 is a design evolution with clean, simple lines and inoffensive shape.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chair-heads are sourcing used Chipotle chairs for their homes—the natural wood and iron look is pretty inoffensive, to be fair.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Feb. 2026
Plus, the jojoba oil gives it a light, inoffensive smell that’s heavenly to inhale compared to the strong, cloying scents of other men’s products.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Breaking no barriers, the EX60 is a design evolution with clean, simple lines and inoffensive shape.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
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
Adjective
-
No faction is more divided than the British, however, with benign diplomat Thomas Hopkins (Billy Howle) at odds with the almost feral Army captain Orde Wingate (Aramayo), reputed father of the modern IDF.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Some of the essays are benign and well-documented; tales of her own neuroses, and her obsessions with the health of her father, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Requests to transfer money, purchase gift cards, or move funds to keep your accounts safe are not part of any SSA process.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In suburban neighborhoods, for example, wildlife crossings and native plants provide safer movement options.—
Eve Bohnett,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Six innocent people, including an unborn baby, died in three separate pursuits throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties this week.—
Tom Wait,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
An error in a legal brief could lead to an innocent person’s incarceration.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
