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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benign
If the email doesn’t match one that’s expected, the page redirects to something more benign.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The Demon Plant How then did such a plant, so beneficial and benign as a medicine, food, and mild stimulant, come to be classified among the world’s most dangerous drugs, condemned by international law as the criminal equivalent of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine?
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Five cases were determined to be brain tumors of three different types — all of which were benign (non-cancerous).
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Inflation still remains a concern because the full impact of tariffs is yet to be felt, however, at least the underlying trends (e.g. non-tariff related inflation) seems benign at this time.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The Demon Plant How then did such a plant, so beneficial and benign as a medicine, food, and mild stimulant, come to be classified among the world’s most dangerous drugs, condemned by international law as the criminal equivalent of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine?
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Five cases were determined to be brain tumors of three different types — all of which were benign (non-cancerous).
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Inflation still remains a concern because the full impact of tariffs is yet to be felt, however, at least the underlying trends (e.g. non-tariff related inflation) seems benign at this time.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
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The drug was thought to be harmless and in Germany was sold over the counter.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
8 May 2025
-
While most spiders found in homes across the country usually are harmless, some can be venomous.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Instead use a gentle blotting technique to draw the stain out of the fabric.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
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The high waistband provides gentle compression without feeling restrictive and doesn’t dig in during long stretches of sitting.—
Susan Brickell,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Despite this incident, subways have been trending safer, according to police CompStat data.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Those trials, along with subsequent monitoring, have clearly shown that the COVID vaccines as well as all the other shots on the market are safe and effective, Goodman and others say.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Fey is a big fan of Ina Garten, aka TV chef the Barefoot Contessa, and The Four Seasons feels a lot like if Ina Garten made a sitcom: upscale and aspirational, beautiful and soothing.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
1 May 2025
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The Venezuelan songstress and Colombian crooners melodic and soothing vocals pair perfectly with Los Ángeles’ hip-swiveling cumbia tune.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some risk factors for babies include sleeping on their side or stomach, sharing a bed with a parent or caregiver, using soft bedding or bumper pads and sleeping on an incline.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Their romance proceeds in soft focus with a soundtrack of accelerated heartbeats and musical interludes, as well as pretty camera shots of raindrops flashing in the sun.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Many expect a recession − defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth − albeit perhaps a mild one.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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After the brand underwent a redesign in 2000, Tajín started being exported around the globe and its tangy profile of mild chili peppers, lime and salt was appreciated for its use in cocktails.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hyers comes across as perhaps the most mild-mannered, mellow coach who’s ever put on a uniform.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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