irenic

adjective

Definition of irenicnext
as in nonaggressive

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of irenic In Kennedy’s postwar America, Catholics were viewed more favorably, thanks partly to the irenic pontificate of John XXIII. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 20 Apr. 2021 Despite his talk of unity and his irenic tone, gratitude hasn’t been a Biden strong suit. — Rich Lowry, National Review, 16 Mar. 2021 But what, specifically, do these conservatives want, besides a sense of thrill-in-combat that French’s irenic style denies them? — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 June 2019 Germany has enjoyed a long summer living well and gladly under Mrs Merkel’s irenic inaction. — The Economist, 9 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irenic
  1. nonaggressive
  2. peaceable
  3. unaggressive
  4. unwarlike
  5. peaceful
  6. pacific
  7. nonbelligerent
Adjective
  • Beavers are considered nonaggressive animals and typically avoid human contact.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • These solitary, nonaggressive bees use small pieces of leaves to build their nests, causing only cosmetic harm to the plant.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of nonaggressive
Adjective
  • These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    — Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of peaceable
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, dogs that lose fights or are seen as unaggressive are killed, oftentimes in heinous fashion, with many cases involving dogs being electrocuted, hung or beaten to death.
    — Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Time flowed differently, and my vision felt soft and the world around me pure and unaggressive.
    — Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of unaggressive
Adjective
  • Here a civilian leader is shown in an unwarlike pose, seated, with a thoughtful and resolute expression—an icon of responsibility.
    — Adam Kirsch, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2021
Definition of unwarlike
Adjective
  • Brits and Portuguese make up the relaxed crowd, and the general vibe is peaceful and quiet.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The peaceful demonstration turned violent when the fishermen attacked the floating protesters with poles and spinning propellers, the foundation reported.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • National Aquarium cams The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, operates a series of cameras of marine animals, including reef sharks, jellyfish and fish in a Pacific coral reef.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
  • These conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane development, whereas the eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niño events.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Definition of pacific
Adjective
  • For not wanting to be nonbelligerent by naming the terms for belligerence.
    — Solmaz Sharif, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2022
  • Over time, such cooperation could gradually acclimate Arab peoples to a nonbelligerent stance toward Israel.
    — Charles Krauthammer, Twin Cities, 30 May 2017
Definition of nonbelligerent

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irenic
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Cite this Entry

“Irenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irenic. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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