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 Some incidents are benign, while others can be signs of something more serious. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 This helps to accurately distinguish disease-carrying mosquitoes from benign species while keeping users safe through mobile and web app controls. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 Burls are benign and are the result of a response in growth to outside stresses. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 Reports indicate that Fable 5 declined to answer a range of benign educational questions in fields such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics – including basic prompts about mitochondria. — James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for benign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benign

Adjective

These are harmless plant relatives consisting of an algae and fungus growing together.

— Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
By contrast, another participant recalled disagreeing with a friend who believed drinking soda and eating fast food was harmless, a belief the participant considered factually wrong.

— Andras Molnar, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmless

Adjective

Regular use of a gentle, balanced cleaner will restore clarity to the surface and allow your floors’ natural beauty to shine through.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
With an ecosystem as capricious as this, the local wildlife is born and bred to go with the flow—think gentle-but-giant humpback whales, colonies of industrious beavers, and torpedoing peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on Earth.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of gentle

Adjective

Fernandes says the north side of the park is much better than the south side because his team is working section by section to bring change, noting that a safe park is critical to the well-being of the people who live in the area.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Willingham said Wednesday that city governments have a responsibility to make sure information collected about their residents is kept safe, especially since Flock contracts are paid for with public funds.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of safe

Adjective

In addition to prepping the skin, the brand says the wand’s therapeutic warmth and soothing vibrations reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, all while boosting the skin’s natural radiance.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the in-cabin activities were equally soothing, with meditative coloring books, cards, board games, a yoga mat, and on-the-nose books about getting lost in nature’s beauty.

— Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of soothing

Adjective

Quilt sets are oversized, reversible and buttery soft, made from the same smart fabric as the favorite sheets with a 100% inner cotton lining, recently named a Good Housekeeping favorite.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Expect a calm palette of neutrals and soft blues, metallic accents, and plenty of natural light, with views either west toward the mountains and desert or north up the Strip.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

For mild nausea, massage a few drops of diluted peppermint oil directly on the stomach.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The autopsy also found Martinez suffered pulmonary and mild cerebral edema, a potentially deadly condition where excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and brain.

— Perry Vandell, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of mild

Adjective

But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
For the more mellow, there are chairlift rides up and down for scenic views, hiking, a mini mining experience and even a mini golf course.

— Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of mellow

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“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of benign

adjective

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