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

Synonyms of nonviolent

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Examples of nonviolent in a Sentence

He argued that nonviolent drug offenders should receive shorter sentences.
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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.
Federal sentencing guidelines generally call for probation for defendants like her, who have no criminal history and are convicted of a nonviolent crime. — CBS News, 17 June 2026 Federal sentencing guidelines generally call for probation for defendants like her, who have no criminal history and are convicted of a nonviolent crime. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 Civil-rights movements that challenge an oppressive status quo usually provoke a disproportionate response; in fact, the strategy of nonviolent resistance depends on it. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi led the Salt March, a nonviolent protest against the tax, which had become a symbol of colonial oppression. — Zehra Jumabhoy, Artforum, 25 June 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

Rhymes for nonviolent

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Browse Nearby Words

nonviolence
nonviolent
nonviral
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Cite this Entry

“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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