PACIFISM Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

pacifism

noun

Definition of pacifism

as in pacificism

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as in nonaggression

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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 pacifism That domestic tension over Japan’s postwar pacifism surfaced in parliament this week, when an opposition lawmaker questioned Takaichi’s push to loosen restrictions on arms exports. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026 None of this requires pacifism. — Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence. — Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 Tehran’s new leadership is betting on the long game, Japan is rethinking its postwar pacifism, and Oscars weekend arrives in an existential malaise. — Kira Bindrim, Bloomberg, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pacifism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifism

Noun

Holding fast to pacificism could contribute to a massacre.

— Carol Quillen, Time, 21 Feb. 2026

Definition of pacificism

Noun

The treaty established peace and an alliance between the two kingdoms, with provisions involving nonaggression, mutual assistance and the return of people who fled from one territory to the other.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Mediators are also discussing nonaggression pacts, non-state armed groups and nuclear issues with Iran, according to Qatar.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Definition of nonaggression

Noun

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

Definition of nonviolence

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pacifism

pacifist

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“Pacifism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pacifism

noun

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