nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 

: abstaining or free from violence

nonviolently adverb

Synonyms of nonviolent

• peaceful
• peaceable

Examples of nonviolent in a Sentence

He argued that nonviolent drug offenders should receive shorter sentences.

Recent Examples on the Web

The claim was first presented by Erica Chenoweth (they/them), a political scientist, in 2013 at a TEDx Talk about the success of nonviolent civil resistance. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

History demonstrates that alongside war’s failures, people pursue peace through diplomacy, protest, and nonviolent resistance. — Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Of course, others revered this leader as a pioneer of nonviolent resistance, great social reformer, inspiring civil rights leader, and the modern father of a major nation. — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Roy has said prosecution may be appropriate for violent misdemeanors that threaten public safety, but has placed greater emphasis on expanding supervised diversion programs for nonviolent offenses involving mental health or addiction issues. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonviolent

• violent

Kids Definition

nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 

1

: not using violence : peaceful

2

: of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence