Innocuous

Innocuous describes something that is not harmful, offensive, or dangerous; something that is unlikely to cause any damage, harm, or injury. It implies a lack of negative impact, a gentle nature, and an absence of malice. The term often applies to things, ideas, or actions that are essentially harmless in their effect on others. The focus is on the absence of undesirable consequences or the ability to do damage.

Innocuous meaning with examples

• The medicine's side effects were determined to be entirely innocuous, causing only mild and temporary drowsiness. Patients were assured there were no lasting health risks associated with the medication. The trial data confirmed that the drug was safe for long-term usage and created minimal patient discomfort.
• The comedian's jokes were generally innocuous, aimed at light-hearted observations and avoiding any sensitive topics. The jokes didn't offend anyone, and the goal was to generate amusement without causing any controversy. The stand-up routine aimed at a broad audience, maintaining a friendly and playful tone throughout.
• The software update seemed innocuous at first, but it ended up adding several helpful features. Users reported the improvements provided a better experience overall. The developers intended the changes to only introduce enhancements and solve any common problems in the software.
• The detective's questioning appeared innocuous, but the skilled agent used carefully worded questions to expose crucial information. His goal was to elicit responses that could identify inconsistencies or clues. The suspect’s careful answers betrayed their deception to the watchful officer.