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.
Following the law's passage, judges couldn't set cash bail for most people charged with nonviolent felonies like drug possession, shoplifting, grand larceny, burglary and others. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Publishing books by authors who endorse the BDS movement demonstrates to Israeli readers that opposition to occupation, apartheid, and genocide is what lies at the heart of the boycott—a clearly legitimate form of nonviolent political protest. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 The governor had publicly questioned whether Peters’ nine-year sentence was too hard for a first-time, nonviolent offender. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026 However, this is an extremely unusual and lengthy sentence for a first time offender who committed nonviolent crimes. Laura Romero, ABC News, 15 May 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 21 May. 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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