NONVIOLENT Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

nonviolent

adjective

ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lənt

Definition of nonviolent

as in peaceful

not involving violence or force nonviolent protests

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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.

Recent Examples of nonviolent The lawyer and activist became a major spiritual and political leader of India when his nonviolent resistance movement against British colonial rule helped led to the country’s independence. — USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 Family members believe Sanchez-Corona was targeted because of a previous deportation following a nonviolent misdemeanor and probation violations as a teen. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026 The news was shared this week by Alice Marie Johnson, who was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after being sentenced to life in prison on a nonviolent drug charge in 1996. — Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 The movement is widely considered to be an artistic precursor to the modern BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement promoting nonviolent resistance to Israeli occupation. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonviolent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonviolent

Adjective

The majority of protesters have been peaceful, but violence on the fringes is having an impact, with a daily menu of fireworks thrown at police and volleys of tear gas fired at high school pupils.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Anger boiling over While many of the latest demonstrations have been peaceful, anger has boiled over.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of peaceful

Adjective

These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.

— Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

Definition of peaceable

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nonviolence

nonviolent

nonviscous

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“Nonviolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonviolent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonviolent

adjective

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