innocuous
Posing no threat
Innocuous means harmless or unlikely to offend or provoke.
An innocuous remark causes no trouble; an innocuous substance poses no danger.
The word often implies something so mild it barely registers: It seemed like an innocuous question at the time.
Innocuous can suggest blandness—safe but uninteresting.
Causing no displeasure
- unobjectionableCausing no disapproval
- anodyneRelieves pain or offense
- safeFree from peril
- mildModerate in intensity
unassuming · undamaging · unoffensive · nonirritating · noninjurious · nondestructive · nonhazardous · non-toxic
Not worthy of comment
- inconspicuousNot readily noticed
- nondescriptWithout distinguishing qualities
- forgettableUnlikely to be recalled
- unobtrusiveNot readily noticed
subtle · understated · faint · ordinary · commonplace · everyday · mundane · unassuming
Without flavor or interest
- vapidDull, without depth
- dullLacking edge or interest
- flatLacking vertical variation
- flavorlessHaving no taste
tepid · lukewarm · tasteless · uninteresting · boring · colorless · lifeless · wishy-washy
inoffensive
Causing no displeasure
- unobjectionableCausing no disapproval
- anodyneRelieves pain or offense
- safeFree from peril
mild · unassuming · undamaging · unoffensive · nonirritating · noninjurious · nondestructive · nonhazardous · non-toxic · benign
unremarkable
Not worthy of comment
- inconspicuousNot readily noticed
- nondescriptWithout distinguishing qualities
- forgettableUnlikely to be recalled
unobtrusive · subtle · understated · faint · ordinary · commonplace · everyday · mundane · unassuming · invisible
insipid
Without flavor or interest
flavorless · tepid · lukewarm · tasteless · uninteresting · boring · colorless · lifeless · wishy-washy · watered-down
- gentlegentle, mild, soft, tender, meek
- non-hazardousclean water, inert gas, table salt, non-toxic, harmless
innocuousoffensive
Causing displeasure or attack-oriented
objectionable · obnoxious · provocative · inflammatory · incendiary
innocuousmenacing
Conveying threat or danger
sinister · threatening · ominous · malevolent · evil