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
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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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Examples of benign in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This all assumes a benign economic backdrop and a stable interest rate environment; any potential shock could force higher spending.
—
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The Narrator finds a more benign form of connection by the end, clasping Marla’s hand in the final scene.
—Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
In that report, it was learned Trump had high cholesterol, was overweight and had rosacea, a benign skin disease.
—Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2024
States and cities will see revenue and outlays change, too, and the balance there is unlikely to be so benign.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benign 
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The Narrator finds a more benign form of connection by the end, clasping Marla’s hand in the final scene.
—Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
In that report, it was learned Trump had high cholesterol, was overweight and had rosacea, a benign skin disease.
—Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2024
States and cities will see revenue and outlays change, too, and the balance there is unlikely to be so benign.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benign
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benign.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Benign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benign. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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