Search Dictionary
Definition of innocuous

innocuous

/ɪˈnɑːkjuəs/
in · noc · u · ous
Adverb:innocuously
JUMP TO:

innocuous Lexical Profile

innocuous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unlikely to provoke offense, controversy, or strong emotion; bland or unobjectionable.

Example

"During the tense dinner party, the host steered the conversation toward innocuous topics like the weather and gardening."

2

Not harmful or injurious; producing no ill effects.

Example

"Most species of garden spiders are completely innocuous to humans and help control household pests."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for innocuous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for innocuous

• Rhymes for innocuous

• Nearby Words

innocence
innocent
innocently
innocuous
innocuously
innovate
innovation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin innocuus ('harmless, unharmed'), formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and nocuus ('hurtful, injurious'), which derives from the verb nocere ('to harm').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Innocuous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/innocuous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.