nonviolent
adjective
non·vi·o·lent
ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 
: 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
How the program works Mathews said most people ages 17 to 24 in the Williamson County Jail charged with nonviolent felonies can enter the program, with some exceptions.
—
Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
The group warned Florida officials about Fowler’s release and argued his criminal history contradicted claims that the clemency initiative focused on nonviolent offenders.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
That same year, the arrest of Rosa Parks launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a yearlong mass, nonviolent protest against segregation on public transportation.
—Literary Hub, 24 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
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Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
The group warned Florida officials about Fowler’s release and argued his criminal history contradicted claims that the clemency initiative focused on nonviolent offenders.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
That same year, the arrest of Rosa Parks launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a yearlong mass, nonviolent protest against segregation on public transportation.
—Literary Hub, 24 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
See All Example Sentences for nonviolent
Cite this Entry
“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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