dove

noun

ˈdəv How to pronounce dove (audio)
Definition of dovenext
1
as in pacifist
a person who opposes war or warlike policies the doves were in favor of using the surplus to improve the nation's schools and not its weapons systems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in angel
an innocent or gentle person he's a dove who wouldn't hurt a fly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dove Monetary policy expectations can change rapidly, but this week has been a tough one for the doves. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 July 2026 The Frenchman did — and 39-year-old Djokovic dove to hit a backhand volley winner on match point for a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) record-equaling victory in the third round at Wimbledon on Friday. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 For this study, Ocampo-Peñuela and Neate-Clegg dove into how traits that humans value in birds (like their colors and sounds) may impact their risk of extinction. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dove
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dove
  1. pacifist
  2. angel
  3. sheep
  4. innocent
  5. lamb
Noun
  • The arguments of English philosopher, mathematician, pacifist, and Nobel Prize winner Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) in favor of free speech and inquiry were explosive for the young Basiji.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 8 July 2026
  • His father, Kenneth, was a pacifist and a conscientious objector in World War II, which made the family somewhat outcast in its small hometown.
    — Barbara Isenberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Definition of pacifist
Noun
  • In what room had her grandfather seen the angel warning him of June’s death?
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The customer bought an angel figure, fashioned with tears on her face and arms holding her chest.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of angel
Noun
  • In this peaceful spot, there’s nothing to hear but cowbells, baa-ing sheep and the breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Additional buildings include an equipment barn, cattle and alpaca barns, a chicken coop, and another barn for goats and sheep.
    — Mark David, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Definition of sheep
Noun
  • Some innocents are coerced into false confessions, like what happened to the Central Park Five.
    — Rene Denfeld, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Over 5,000 deaths, most of them for innocents not driving trucks, in 2023 alone.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of innocent
Noun
  • Bornemann had spent the day butchering a whole lamb and sent out family-style bowls of handmade pasta under lamb ragù.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Bartenders serve a small selection of wine in short glasses emblazoned with white lambs, and a cocktail list features beverages that range from light and herbaceous to sweet and heady.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of lamb

Browse Nearby Words

dousing
dove
dovecote
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dove.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dove. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on dove

Nglish: Translation of dove for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of mitigate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All