harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs How to pronounce harmless (audio)
Synonyms of harmlessnext
1
: free from harm, liability, or loss
2
: lacking capacity or intent to injure : innocuous
a harmless joke
harmlessly adverb
harmlessness noun

Synonyms of harmless

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Examples of harmless in a Sentence

His ideas seem harmless enough. We're just having a bit of harmless fun. It was just a harmless joke.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For smaller threats around 100 meters wide, this subterranean 3-megaton explosion generates enough power to vaporize the asteroid into harmless space dust completely. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Participants agree to release and hold harmless Company, the Podcast and Podcast hosts from any claims arising out of participation in the Competition or the acceptance or use of any prize. — The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Even the most intrusive apps ask for seemingly harmless permissions. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026 Visible colors are relatively harmless, but ultraviolet photons cause skin damage. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for harmless

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of harmless was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

harmfulness
harmless
harmlessly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmless. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

harmless

adjective
harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs How to pronounce harmless (audio)
1
: free from harm
2
: unable to harm
harmlessly adverb
harmlessness noun

Legal Definition

harmless

adjective
harm·​less
1
: free from harm, liability, or loss
—often used in the phrase to hold harmless see also hold harmless
2
: lacking capacity or intent to injure
harmlessly adverb
harmlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on harmless

Nglish: Translation of harmless for Spanish Speakers

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