mild
21 synonyms and 6 antonyms for mild, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use mild
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English milde ("gentle, mild"), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to grind" or "to crush" — the idea being something worn down soft rather than rough.
Full origin of mild →Frequently asked questions
What does “mild” mean?
The word “mild” means gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness. In plain terms, gentle, moderate, or not-too-strong — used for personalities, weather, illness, and flavour alike.
How do you pronounce “mild”?
“Mild” is pronounced MYLD (/ˈmaɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “mild” in a sentence?
Here is “mild” used in a sentence: “She gave a mild rebuke instead of the shouting match he expected.”
What is another word for “mild”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mild” include soft, gentle, bland, calm, tranquil and soothing.
What is the opposite of “mild”?
The opposite of “mild” — its antonyms — are strong, harsh, severe, irritating and violent.
What part of speech is “mild”?
Depending on how it is used, “mild” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “mild” come from?
The word “mild” comes from Old English. From Old English milde ("gentle, mild"), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to grind" or "to crush" — the idea being something worn down soft rather than rough.
Is “mild” a common word?
“Mild” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between mild and gentle?
Both suggest softness, but gentle emphasizes a kind, careful, tender manner, while mild stresses being not severe, not strong, or not extreme. A gentle touch is careful; a mild flavour is faint.
What is the difference between mild and spicy for food?
When describing food, mild means having little heat and a subtle, delicate flavour, whereas spicy means having strong heat from chilli or pepper. Mild is usually the option chosen by people who prefer less intense flavours.
What is the opposite of mild?
The opposite depends on the sense: for temperament or severity it is often harsh or severe, and for flavour or weather it is strong, intense, or extreme. Mild always points toward the gentler, less extreme end of the scale.