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.
Mamdani on the campaign trail nodded to the Midwestern city as an inspiration for nonviolent protest response. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 Ingraham noted that despite arguing that criminals wouldn’t benefit, the legislation creates a carveout for those convicted of nonviolent crimes. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026 The defense attorneys described their clients as simply taking part in a peaceful, nonviolent protest and accused law enforcement officials of violating their First Amendment rights. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 8 Apr. 2026 United Farm Workers aims to empower migrant workers through nonviolent tactics to have livable wages and safe working conditions. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 14 Apr. 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
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