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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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or pacifistic
as in neutral
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pacifist
Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
The anti-expansionist response united pacifists, abolitionists and a variety of religious and literary figures, helping deepen the divides that would lead to the Civil War.
—G. Patrick O'Brien, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, a visiting company of the pacifist fake Irish Travelers called the Tuatha’an have sought refuge in the village too, and Perrin’s counting on these non-fighters to run the town’s children to safety.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pacifist
Noun
Shoshone chief Winter Bird (Irene Bedard) is a pacifist dealing with young braves too eager to fight.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
The anti-expansionist response united pacifists, abolitionists and a variety of religious and literary figures, helping deepen the divides that would lead to the Civil War.
—G. Patrick O'Brien, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Before the Japanese government released its national security strategy policy guidelines in 2022, Japan's defense budget was limited to only 1 percent of GDP, or 5 trillion yen ($35 billion), by its constitution, which renounces war and puts the country on a pacifist course.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, a visiting company of the pacifist fake Irish Travelers called the Tuatha’an have sought refuge in the village too, and Perrin’s counting on these non-fighters to run the town’s children to safety.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pacifist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifist
Noun
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Like the elf owl, the Socorro dove suffered heavily from cat predation and habitat loss.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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Alana wanted to use her birthday as a commemorative day, honoring Anna with a dove release ceremony.—
Dory Jackson,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Rub a little neutral oil (like vegetable oil) on the hamburger patties to jump-start the frying process.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
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Think neutral sheet sets and nightstands with clean lines to keep the headboard as the center of attention.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The 40,000-square-foot Spa Montage, meanwhile, is a destination in itself and includes a peaceful infinity pool surrounded by tropical greenery.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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An excellent way to unwind from daily stressors, stargazing can serve as a peaceful, mindfulness practice.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s narrow nationalism does not seem more peaceable than internationalism.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
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If anything, the scale of the Second World War and the advent of the atom bomb made the quest for a peaceable international order more urgent than ever.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Xi must know that old societies tend to be pacific and that China is getting old fast.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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Their awards show is today, Saturday, at 12 noon pacific time.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pacifist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifist. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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