nonviolence
noun
non·vi·o·lence
ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 
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
He was sometimes likened to Nelson Mandela, that other legendary political prisoner of the Cold War, who similarly spent his postwar life working to reconcile his countrymen and extolling the virtues of nonviolence.
—
Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
That means nonviolence in the family, community environment, schools, the world and importantly, within the self.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
But members of the group have also faced scorn for refusing to join wars due to their belief in pacifism and nonviolence.
—Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
His ideology was rooted in the principles of nonviolence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Christian theology, forming the blueprint of his leadership style.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonviolence
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Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
That means nonviolence in the family, community environment, schools, the world and importantly, within the self.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
But members of the group have also faced scorn for refusing to join wars due to their belief in pacifism and nonviolence.
—Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
His ideology was rooted in the principles of nonviolence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Christian theology, forming the blueprint of his leadership style.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonviolence
Cite this Entry
“Nonviolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonviolence. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nonviolence
noun
non·vi·o·lence
(ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s
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
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