nonlethal
adjective
non·le·thal
ˌnän-ˈlē-thəl 
: not lethal : not capable of causing death
a nonlethal gas
nonlethal weapons
a nonlethal dose of venom
Examples of nonlethal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If those steps don’t work, Kellum said other options might include trapping and potentially using nonlethal projectiles, such as paint balls, to chase away, haze and deter them.
—
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
At $15,000 per box of six drones, and an additional monthly service charge per student, the drones are equipped with nonlethal weaponry, including flash-bangs and pepper spray guns.
—Emily Greene-Colozzi, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Lethal objects refer to missile warheads, while nonlethal objects—such as decoys—are countermeasures designed to help armed missile payloads penetrate missile defenses.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Staff at the prison — also known as New Folsom — responded with chemical agents, warning shots and nonlethal weapons to regain control.
—Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonlethal
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Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
At $15,000 per box of six drones, and an additional monthly service charge per student, the drones are equipped with nonlethal weaponry, including flash-bangs and pepper spray guns.
—Emily Greene-Colozzi, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Lethal objects refer to missile warheads, while nonlethal objects—such as decoys—are countermeasures designed to help armed missile payloads penetrate missile defenses.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Staff at the prison — also known as New Folsom — responded with chemical agents, warning shots and nonlethal weapons to regain control.
—Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonlethal
Cite this Entry
“Nonlethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlethal. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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