seemingly benign
Frequency: 6.57.3 per million words
Indicates an appearance of being harmless that may be deceptive.
Categories:
Examples (10)
- The lump was initially considered seemingly benign, but further tests revealed it was malignant.
- His seemingly benign question was actually a clever trap to get her to reveal information.
- The software update appeared seemingly benign, but it contained hidden malware that stole user data.
- What started as a seemingly benign online community quickly devolved into a hub for extremist views.
- The introduction of the seemingly benign foreign species had a catastrophic effect on the local ecosystem.
- Be wary of seemingly benign clauses in contracts; they often hide significant obligations.
- The leader's seemingly benign smile concealed his ruthless intentions.
- A seemingly benign childhood habit can sometimes develop into a serious issue in adulthood.
- The committee's proposal was seemingly benign, yet its long-term implications were deeply concerning.
- Even a seemingly benign comment on social media can have unforeseen negative consequences.