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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For one, China has long stood out for its nonaggressive nuclear doctrine. Caitlin Talmadge, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2018 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 See all Example Sentences for nonaggressive 

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 15 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonaggressive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!