nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
: abstaining or free from violence
nonviolently adverb

Examples of nonviolent in a Sentence

He argued that nonviolent drug offenders should receive shorter sentences.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fifty-one attorneys general from U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia are making a bipartisan push for a peaceful transfer of power and a nonviolent response from voters to the 2024 election results. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 His actual time behind bars was reduced by half since it is considered a nonviolent offense, court records show. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024 The Black Panther Party was composed of Black Americans across the nation who were dissatisfied with the pace of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement. Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024 Luster’s crime, rape of an unconscious person, technically qualifies as a nonviolent offense, Nasarenko explained to KCLU in 2023. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nonviolent 

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonviolent was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near nonviolent

Cite this Entry

“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolent. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonviolent

adjective
non·​vi·​o·​lent (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce nonviolent (audio)
1
: not using violence : peaceful
2
: of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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