nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
Synonyms of nonviolentnext
: abstaining or free from violence
nonviolently adverb

Examples of nonviolent in a Sentence

He argued that nonviolent drug offenders should receive shorter sentences.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
United Farm Workers aims to empower migrant workers through nonviolent tactics to have livable wages and safe working conditions. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026 Remembered as a global symbol of nonviolent resistance, King continues to inspire movements for justice and equality. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026 Protesters filled the streets Saturday at more than 3,300 rallies across all 50 states for No Kings, a movement that bills itself as nonviolent opposition to what organizers view as authoritarian rulers in the White House and beyond. Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026 Chicago shall take a restorative justice approach to rights violations and nonviolent criminal charges, and not discriminate against people based on prior criminal status. Tracy Baim, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonviolent

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonviolent was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

nonviolent

adjective
non·​vi·​o·​lent (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
1
: not using violence : peaceful
2
: of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence
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