nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce nonviolence (audio)
1
: abstention from violence as a matter of principle
also : the principle of such abstention
2
a
: the quality or state of being nonviolent : avoidance of violence
b
: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

Examples of nonviolence in a Sentence

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.
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.
These demonstrations also stress a commitment to nonviolence. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025 Both led their people through seemingly impossible conflicts with grace and the ethos of nonviolence. Janine Di Giovanni, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Dan said Mary traveled to teach nonviolence and share her mom’s story four to five months out of a year. Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Dedicated to nonviolence and forgiving of mom and dad, the 16-year-old emerges as the film’s true hero and the last hope of our democracy. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonviolence

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonviolence was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonviolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolence. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonviolence

noun
non·​vi·​o·​lence (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce nonviolence (audio)
1
: the avoidance of the use of violence as a matter of principle
also : the principle of not using violence to achieve one's goals
2
: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of achieving political goals
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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