nonaggressive

adjective

non·​ag·​gres·​sive ˌnän-ə-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce nonaggressive (audio)
: not aggressive: such as
a
: not marked by or exhibiting aggression
nonaggressive animals
b
: not marked by forcefulness
nonaggressive sales tactics
nonaggressive sports
c
: not growing, spreading, or developing rapidly
nonaggressive tumors
d
: not more intensive or severe than usual
nonaggressive cancer treatments
nonaggression noun
practicing nonaggression
a nonaggression pact/treaty [=a formal agreement between two countries not to attack each other]

Examples of nonaggressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Never run or make any loud noises or sudden movements, as this could startle these creatures, which are typically nonaggressive until frightened. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024 But Man 'Forgot About It for Almost a Decade' The NPS further said that tarantulas are slow-moving and nonaggressive, adding their bite is likened to a bee sting and is not deadly to humans. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023 Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Western lowland gorillas are quiet, peaceful and nonaggressive, according to the zoo. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 30 May 2023 The spiders are nonaggressive and bite only in self-defense, such as when someone accidentally sits on them. Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 3 May 2023 Unassuming, nonaggressive, close, complicated but not tortured: These are all words that describe the uniquely generous fictions of Louise Erdrich, which are just as concerned with oppression as Sebald’s but told with a completely different attitude toward human relationships. Jo Livingstone, The New Republic, 29 Oct. 2021 The other venomous snake native to the state, the northern copperhead, is mostly docile and nonaggressive, choosing to remain still and hidden rather than give away its position. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2022 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources doesn't trap or remove bears with nonaggressive behavior. Alex Chhith, Star Tribune, 27 Apr. 2021 While the idea of encouraging bees in yards may be a no-go for some afraid of stings, native Wisconsin bees are nonaggressive. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonaggressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonaggressive was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near nonaggressive

Cite this Entry

“Nonaggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonaggressive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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