nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 

: abstaining or free from violence

nonviolently adverb

Synonyms of nonviolent

• peaceful
• peaceable

Examples of nonviolent in a Sentence

He argued that nonviolent drug offenders should receive shorter sentences.

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency has made a wider push to restore gun rights to people with certain felony convictions, including nonviolent theft and drug offenses, according to a final rule published Monday. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

As the Taliban have intensified their repression, women have found new ways to continue nonviolent resistance. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

The state also places youth there who have committed nonviolent crimes. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026

Idrovo was one of several advocates who spoke at the Capitol in the spring in favor of legislation to end suspensions for nonviolent behavior. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonviolent

• violent

Kids Definition

nonviolent

adjective

non·​vi·​o·​lent (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt 

1

: not using violence : peaceful

2

: of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence