nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
Synonyms of nonviolentnext
: 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.
Howell said the case contradicts prior characterizations of the clemency actions as focusing on nonviolent offenders. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Desai, whose directorial work at the Taper thus far has brought together rave and rebellion, smoothly merges the Dionysian frenzy of the music with the nonviolent revolution that ended Ferdinand Marcos’ protracted dictatorship in 1986. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 That landmark piece of legislation, which is underpinned by the importance of reducing recidivism, decreased mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses and resulted in the early release from prison for thousands of people. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Feb. 2026 Jackson emphasized the necessity for nonviolent conflict resolution, addressing current events including the war in Ukraine and the incident involving Chris Rock and Will Smith at the Oscars. Astrid Kayembe, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 17 Feb. 2026 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 22 Feb. 2026.

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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