nonlethal

adjective

non·​le·​thal ˌnän-ˈlē-thəl How to pronounce nonlethal (audio)
: not lethal : not capable of causing death
a nonlethal gas
nonlethal weapons
a nonlethal dose of venom

Examples of nonlethal in a Sentence

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.
The canine predators killed or severely injured 27 calves in March and April of this year alone, state records show, alarming ranchers and costing the state millions to reimburse agricultural losses and help pay for fencing and other nonlethal deterrents. Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025 So now the ayatollah, who had a symbolic retaliation by firing some nonlethal missiles at the American’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, has to decide his course going forward. New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 26 June 2025 Multiple social media posts show police pushing people to the ground, kneeling on their backs and firing nonlethal ammunition to disperse the crowd. Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025 The protective gear was used to help rioters withstand rubber bullets, tear gas, and other nonlethal munitions deployed by law enforcement. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonlethal

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonlethal was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonlethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlethal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonlethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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