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1
: free from harm, liability, or loss
2
: lacking capacity or intent to injure : innocuous
a harmless joke
harmlessly
adverb
harmlessness
noun
Synonyms
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
In an allergy, immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to allergens (normally harmless substances that trigger an immune response in some people) may be detected in the blood.
—
Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
Bubbly urine, which may occur from urinating quickly or forcefully, is harmless.
—
Heidi Cope, Health, 28 Jan. 2025
Some are harmless to humans, whereas others are venomous.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2025
These deposits are caused by a buildup of cholesterol or other fats and are generally harmless.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of harmless was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near harmless
Cite this Entry
“Harmless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmless. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on harmless
Nglish: Translation of harmless for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of harmless for Arabic Speakers
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