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
Examples 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
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
Vučević was supposed to be the fulcrum of Chicago’s attack but instead has become a competent, inoffensive fourth option; the Miami Heat guarded him with Nikola Jović with no consequences whatsoever in Chicago’s Play-In loss.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 23 Apr. 2024
In the immediate aftermath, Bree limits herself to inoffensive black dresses, jumpers and cardigans, before the muted colors of grief eventually give way — over several episodes — to a new vibrant wardrobe signaling an unveiling of sorts.
—Jemal Polson, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
Accelerator Photograph: Amazon Accelerator, Peach Paradise (12-Pack) $24 at Amazon
Accelerator is an inoffensive and unassuming option for folks who don’t like brand names or flashy cans.
—Pete Cottell, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive 
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Vučević was supposed to be the fulcrum of Chicago’s attack but instead has become a competent, inoffensive fourth option; the Miami Heat guarded him with Nikola Jović with no consequences whatsoever in Chicago’s Play-In loss.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 23 Apr. 2024
In the immediate aftermath, Bree limits herself to inoffensive black dresses, jumpers and cardigans, before the muted colors of grief eventually give way — over several episodes — to a new vibrant wardrobe signaling an unveiling of sorts.
—Jemal Polson, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
Accelerator Photograph: Amazon Accelerator, Peach Paradise (12-Pack) $24 at Amazon
Accelerator is an inoffensive and unassuming option for folks who don’t like brand names or flashy cans.
—Pete Cottell, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inoffensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoffensive
Adjective
-
But sometimes letting your kid win at a harmless, just-for-fun board game or game of catch might not be quite as high stakes.Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Jan. 2025
-
To the untrained eye, venomous snakes may look indistinguishable from harmless ones.Brian Otieno, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike in year's past, where there have been multiple major rule shifts that have dramatically altered the way the sport can be played, this year's set of rules seems benign.Todd Boss, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
-
Usually, these mistakes are benign or even harmful for the virus, but occasionally, there’s a genetic change that helps the virus become better at infecting cells.CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Federal and state firefighting efforts are operating from the air as long as wind conditions permit safe flights.Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Leslie Montgomery’s home on the eastern edge of Caldwell was supposed to be a safe harbor for her and her three children.Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
They have been used before in crowded city centers in Europe to take innocent lives and spread fear.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
-
What does that have to do with innocent bystander Zac Efron?Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near inoffensive
Cite this Entry
“Inoffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoffensive. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share