nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
: 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.
Ehrenreich suggests that Israel’s response to the events of October 7 has rendered nonviolent resistance a mere relic of idealism, and armed resistance necessary for survival. Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 Six Hispanic Republicans are urging the Trump administration to prioritize deporting migrants facing charges for violent crimes as immigration enforcement officers have ramped up arrests of nonviolent migrants. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 12 June 2025 Organizers emphasized that they are trained in deescalation and the event is meant to be a nonviolent protest. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2025 Los Angeles had its quietest night in a week on Tuesday, as a combination of a city curfew and faith leaders’ calls for nonviolent resistance appeared to quell furious protests against the Trump administration’s sprawling immigration raids, for at least one evening. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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