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.