BENIGN Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

benign

adjective

bi-ˈnīn

Definition of benign

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gentle

not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect basking under a benign sun on a day in early spring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 benign For example, a relative’s benign remark about the texture of a turkey dinner at a family gathering might be interpreted by someone with schizophrenia as a statement meant to embarrass them. — Matthew Kurtz, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 Despite his top billing and his undeniable curmudgeon charisma, even Dern ends up underserved by a role that is eventually reduced to so much benign backdrop for a much blander hero’s journey. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Solar lentigines are benign but can appear similar to early stage skin cancer. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026 During the four-hour surgery, the CHOP team was able to isolate and remove the benign tumor. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Hay fever is defined as cold-like symptoms caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor and indoor substance the body identifies as harmful, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Ron Smiley, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Lynch’s massive draft whiffs feel like harmless clerical rounding errors next to his good work in handling all the off-the-field stuff that lands on his desk.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Now imagine that each bead carries a tiny battery that continuously gives it a gentle push along the chain.

— K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Designed as a therapeutic companion, the robot resembles a baby seal and uses soft fur, gentle movements, and responsive sounds to create the calming presence of a living pet.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

But rising bond yields make safer government debt more attractive relative to stocks, while also reducing the present value investors assign to companies’ future earnings.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
The pill was found to not only be safe but also reduce tumor burden in more than 30% of patients, according to the study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

The formula packs green tea extract for soothing and antioxidant-rich rosehip oil for skin brightening.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Wind Features Kinetic wind features also create a focal point, and their rhythmic motion in the wind can be as soothing as that of a water feature.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

Offer a realistic time, suggest a softer plan, and let honesty keep the connection easy.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
There has always been something compelling about Paul Baker, something about the interplay between his frat-star good looks and Canadian soft-boy heart.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026