as in dove
a person who opposes war or warlike policies
a committed pacifist, Gandhi succeeded in bringing about Indian independence using only nonviolence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
or pacifistic
as in pacific
inclined to live in peace and to avoid war
the newspaper's editorial board has clearly staked out a pacifist position on the current conflict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 pacifist
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Every version of me is a pacifist.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defense policies by December to bolster Japan’s offensive military capabilities, lifting a ban on weapons exports and moving further away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pacifist
Noun
Also in 1968, Blais worked as an assistant director on Straight to the Heart, a dramedy by Jean-Pierre Lefebvre that starred musician-actor Robert Charlebois as a pacifist brainwashed by mysterious authorities to embrace war.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Every version of me is a pacifist.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Weapons-makers’ stocks rallied on expectations of looser export restrictions and plans for a possible revision to Japan’s pacifist constitution, furthering momentum for Asian defense firms.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defense policies by December to bolster Japan’s offensive military capabilities, lifting a ban on weapons exports and moving further away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pacifist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifist
Noun
-
The jersey also includes a jock tag depicting a dove carrying an olive branch, while the Pride’s familiar purple trims the collar, cuffs and player lettering.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The dove white tweed jacket was crafted in an off-white wool blend.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Olivier tried successfully to get the reader to understand how a gentle, pacific young man could come to kill more than a thousand people, and so capturing the tone and empathetic portrayal not only of Simo Häyhä and his colleagues but also of the often-bewildered Russian soldiers was essential.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Courtesy: Apple Apple on Tuesday sent invites to the media and analysts for a launch event at its campus on September 9 at 10 A.M pacific time.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
For the most peaceful stretch, head to Opal Beach in Gulf Islands National Seashore, where the shoreline remains undeveloped, and the loudest sound is usually the surf.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Residents also enjoy the character of the Devonwood neighborhood itself, where winding roads, wooded views and nearby farmland create a peaceful backdrop for daily life.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The vertical stripes and color combination are classic and neutral to match many home designs.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Revelations in the late 1960's and early 70's that President Richard Nixon had ordered the secret bombing of two neutral countries, Cambodia and Laos, pushed Congress to action.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pacifist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifist. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
