harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

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

• benign
• safe
• innocent
• innocuous
• inoffensive
• healthy

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

What began years ago as a war for influence in Yemen between Iran and Saudi Arabia has now escalated to a challenge to maritime law rooted in guarantees for harmless passage of commercial ships. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026

An avid runner and golfer fit and trim enough to pass for a man a decade younger, the silver-haired Claire was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2015 when what looked like a harmless spot on his lip turned out to be cancerous. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Scientists do this by sending instructions directly to neurons via a harmless virus. — Kimberlee D'ardenne, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Some cracks might be harmless, normal shrinkage cracks, but others might indicate a serious structural issue. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

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