inoffensive
adjective
in·of·fen·sive ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 
1
: causing no harm or injury
2
a
: giving no provocation : peaceable
b
: not objectionable to the senses
inoffensively adverb
inoffensiveness noun
Synonyms
- anodyne
- benign
- harmless
- hurtless
- innocent
- innocuous
- safe
- white
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The priest was a mild-mannered inoffensive fellow. an inoffensive little joke at the opening of his speech
Recent Examples on the Web The actor wears his own skin as Gepetto, alongside a curly wig and inoffensive Italian accent. 
John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Even COVID-19—a disease name that was designed from the very start to be as inoffensive as possible—can easily be turned into a slur. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2022 It’s decorated with innocuous furniture, inoffensive linens, even taupe-colored dishware, all designed and manufactured by his team. Amy Feldman, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 The Framework Laptop has an unassuming, inoffensive keyboard and trackpad that are both nice to use. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 24 July 2022 The resurgence of Scandinavian interior design trends in recent years has meant a ubiquity of warm woods, clean lines and spare, inoffensive furniture. New York Times, 2 June 2022 But if the Beaver was just an inoffensive beaver who was overlooked, the young athletes may want to register a polite protest. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 30 May 2022 The faint coconut smell is inoffensive, unlike some sunscreens that smell chalky or like Pina Coladas. Svati Kirsten Narula, Outside Online, 4 June 2022 The filling is inoffensive ricotta and four other filler cheeses, a blank canvas for saucing up. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 31 May 2022 See More
John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Even COVID-19—a disease name that was designed from the very start to be as inoffensive as possible—can easily be turned into a slur. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2022 It’s decorated with innocuous furniture, inoffensive linens, even taupe-colored dishware, all designed and manufactured by his team. Amy Feldman, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 The Framework Laptop has an unassuming, inoffensive keyboard and trackpad that are both nice to use. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 24 July 2022 The resurgence of Scandinavian interior design trends in recent years has meant a ubiquity of warm woods, clean lines and spare, inoffensive furniture. New York Times, 2 June 2022 But if the Beaver was just an inoffensive beaver who was overlooked, the young athletes may want to register a polite protest. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 30 May 2022 The faint coconut smell is inoffensive, unlike some sunscreens that smell chalky or like Pina Coladas. Svati Kirsten Narula, Outside Online, 4 June 2022 The filling is inoffensive ricotta and four other filler cheeses, a blank canvas for saucing up. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 31 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
inoffensive
adjective
in·of·fen·sive ˌi-nə-ˈfen-siv
: not likely to offend or bother anyone
an inoffensive joke
inoffensiveness
noun
as in harmlessness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- harmlessness
- purity
- virtuousness
- morality
- virtue
- sinlessness
- chastity
- incorruptibility
- goodness
- decency
- faultlessness
- guiltlessness
- righteousness
- blamelessness
- law-abidingness
- uprightness
- integrity
- impeccability
- honesty
- irreproachability
- innocency
- irreproachableness
- innocence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- guilt
- culpability
- responsibility
- blameworthiness
- fault
- guiltiness
- evil
- blame
- criminality
- immorality
- offensiveness
- wickedness
- sinfulness
- depravity
- corruption
- harmfulness
- reprehensibleness