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

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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 In contrast, the United States borders two benign neighbors and enjoys open sailing on two vast oceans. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 Then, findings are scored from 1 to 5 — 1 means a result is benign or normal, while 5 means something is emergent or critical. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 Sep. 2026 And while Gen Z is bringing new expectations to the workplace, this benign habit could potentially impact their odds of landing a job. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 Once seen as a relatively benign form of development that contributed to local coffers without harming the broader community, today data centers face united opposition. — Ivy Main, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

Attackers use it to control who reaches their malicious content while showing something harmless to other visitors.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Shortly before midnight, the squad determined the bags were harmless and contained no explosives, Anderson said.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

The duo launches alongside a tapered blending brush designed for gentle, precise application on the delicate skin under your eyes.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
Those stories are so gentle and yet so compelling, and the artwork is so beautiful and inviting.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

The results help scientists keep nuclear weapons safe and functional without having to set one off.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Recent surveys featured in this newsletter have found Democrats believe more strongly that vaccines are safe and effective, and Republicans are often more skeptical.

— Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

For sensitive or dry underarms, the deodorant also uses a soothing blend of shea butter, spirulina, and niacinamide to keep pits comfortable all day long.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
On the upside, the villas are one of the more soothing spots for a mild hangover.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

But, for me, the softer spotlight on HABIBTI has been part of its charm all along — and highlights the risk in releasing three albums at once.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Against his soft, sensitive frame, this underwater world looks impossibly hard.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

The lower-register instruments in this track are also fairly mellow in the recording, and the subtle bass in the headphones almost pushes them into obscurity, further piling everything into the cacophonous middle.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Warm yet uplifting with a strong hit of black tea, Still Bloom's cardomom, sesame, and orange top notes hit like a shot of caffeine before dissipating into a mellow, comforting underbelly of musk, rose and cedarwood, to name a few.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026