1. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence - a benign smile - the benign sky - the benign influence of pure air • Syn: benign • Ant: malign (for: benign) • Similar to: kindly • See Also: harmless, kind • Derivationally related forms: benignancy (for: benign) • Attrubites: benignity, benignancy, graciousness 2. characterized by kindness and warm courtesy especially of a king to his subjects - our benignant king • Syn: gracious • Similar to: kind • Derivationally related forms: grace (for: gracious), graciousness (for: gracious)