Innocuous
mediumih-NOK-yoo-us
adjective
Definition
Harmless and unlikely to cause offense or injury
Examples
“The medication has been deemed innocuous by regulatory agencies, with no significant side effects.”
“What seemed like an innocuous comment at the meeting later escalated into a major controversy.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Innocuous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "harmless" or "benign" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "harmful".
Related GRE Words
benign
Gentle, harmless, or not serious; not causing harm or danger
benevolent
Well-meaning and kindly; generous and charitable
malleable
Easily influenced or changed; adaptable
diffidence
Lack of confidence in oneself; shyness or modesty
dispassionate
Not influenced by emotion; impartial and objective in judgment
docile
Easily taught, submissive, and obedient
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