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
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Recent Examples of benign
Meanwhile, worries about data mining and intrusions into privacy appear almost benign against the backdrop of the use of AI technology in law enforcement and the military.
—
Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
Tim Plowman and Jim Duke would famously reveal coca to be both benign and chock-full of vital nutrients, but their nutritional study came a generation too late to inform the bureaucratic and political process that led to the criminalization of the plant.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 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
Such defenses include profiling victims before an attack is mounted, and can even provide an escape path to a benign alternative to prevent the threat being flagged.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
Tim Plowman and Jim Duke would famously reveal coca to be both benign and chock-full of vital nutrients, but their nutritional study came a generation too late to inform the bureaucratic and political process that led to the criminalization of the plant.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 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
Such defenses include profiling victims before an attack is mounted, and can even provide an escape path to a benign alternative to prevent the threat being flagged.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign
Adjective
-
False positives: Finding harmless abnormalities can lead to false-positive results (a test result that incorrectly determines a condition is present), unnecessary stress, tests, and procedures.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
10 Apr. 2025
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Information that seems harmless, like your location, job title or birthday, can be used by cybercriminals to impersonate you or guess your login credentials.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Momoa opted for softer style, wearing a suit in a gentle pink tone.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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His video shows his grandmother and her dog, Gucci, through their daily moments together—gentle walks with the pup trotting along in a pink sweater; cuddles on the couch; and play.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Until there is, the safest approach may be not to share at all.—
Abigail Dubiniecki,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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So Far Cannes' Thierry Fremaux Wants 'Mission: Impossible 8,' Teases 2025 Fest Lineup and Moves on From the 'Emilia Perez' Controversy (EXCLUSIVE) That safe haven could also be an alternative to the normal escape route people take out of Gilead.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Where to watch: Prime Video, Peacock Classical Baby For a more soothing musical option, try HBO’s ‘90s show Classical Baby.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
9 Apr. 2025
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Speaking of Nancy Meyers and Steve Martin, there’s probably nothing more soothing than watching Meryl Streep cook in a gorgeous Santa Barbara kitchen.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Lightweight Sweats Classic Zip Hoodie is incredibly soft and pairs beautifully with their ultra-soft ribbed pieces like the Ribbed Modal Body Long Sleeve.—
Sarah Boyd,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Crafted from lightweight, sturdy beechwood, this pro-kneading, lymphatic-draining tool is designed with soft, rounded edges that make for comfy gliding across your skin (go ahead and pair it with a serum or lotion for extra slip).—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Look at it as a mild upgrade with a Saturday draft pick.—
Jeff Howe,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
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The first three weeks of his hospitalization were marked by a roller coaster of setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure and a severe coughing fit.—
Colleen Barry,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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An eight-month-old Gruyère is mellow with a caramel aroma.—
Betsy Andrews,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Animal Collective member’s new album, Sinister Grift, is the perfect mellow psychedelia for a sunny Pasadena afternoon.—
Dan Reilly,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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