nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce nonviolence (audio)
Synonyms of nonviolencenext
1
: abstention from violence as a matter of principle
also : the principle of such abstention
2
a
: the quality or state of being nonviolent : avoidance of violence
b
: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

Examples of nonviolence in a Sentence

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.
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.
Since the inception of the Archdiocese's buyback events in 2023, nearly 1,500 firearms have been collected by the Baltimore Police Department, in an effort to create a culture of peace and nonviolence. — Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 There, Williams published a newsletter, The Crusader, to encourage Black people to engage in self-defense rather than nonviolence, whether during civil rights protests or confronting racist aggressors. — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 Protesters who carried his image were invoking that inheritance specifically, not nonviolence twice over. — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 In its 40th year, the purpose of the outdoor retreat is for youth to reflect on universal values including nonviolence, respect, fearlessness, honesty, equanimity and self-reliance as exemplified by Indian freedom leader Mahatma Gandhi. — Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonviolence

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonviolence was in 1831

Rhymes for nonviolence

See All Rhymes for nonviolence

Browse Nearby Words

nonvintage
nonviolence
nonviolent
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Cite this Entry

“Nonviolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolence. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nonviolence

noun
non·​vi·​o·​lence (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce nonviolence (audio)
1
: the avoidance of the use of violence as a matter of principle
also : the principle of not using violence to achieve one's goals
2
: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of achieving political goals
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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