nonviolent
adjective
non·vi·o·lent
ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 
: 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
In 2017, a bipartisan coalition of Louisiana legislators had passed an ambitious package of bills designed to reduce the number of nonviolent offenders behind bars — and with it the state’s nation-leading prison population.
—
Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 22 May 2026
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
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Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 22 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for nonviolent
Cite this Entry
“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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nonviolent
adjective
non·vi·o·lent
(ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt
1
: not using violence : peaceful
2
: of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence
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