nonconfrontational

adjective

non·​con·​fron·​ta·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shnəl How to pronounce nonconfrontational (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
: avoiding or being without confrontation
nonconfrontational protesters
a nonconfrontational meeting
LeVake is so profoundly nonconfrontational that he inspires instant trust.—Josh Tyrangiel
… offering his advice in private meetings and public testimony in a direct but noninflammatory and nonconfrontational way …—Robert S. McNamara
nonconfrontationally adverb
When he or she arrives, discreetly and nonconfrontationally say that the wine you ordered is not to your taste. —Matt Kramer

Examples of nonconfrontational in a Sentence

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.
Social media manipulators and politicians know this all too well. Presenting things in a nonconfrontational way allows people to evaluate new information without feeling attacked. — Keith M. Bellizzi, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2022 For baby-on-board incidents, a polite and nonconfrontational appeal to the parents can help. — Christopher Elliott, Dallas News, 26 May 2023 Anyone who's logged time into its verdant pastures can attest to how tranquil, passive, and nonconfrontational Stardew can be. — Luke Winkie, Wired, 9 June 2021 Both admit to being nonconfrontational and shy about their feelings for each other, which led to the miscommunication. — Sadiba Hasan, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2023 Ripley said The Parasol Patrol is nonconfrontational and does not engage with protesters. — Maya Lora, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2023 Information will be included on how to make those conversations productive and nonconfrontational, hopefully resulting in positive outcomes, the release saod. — Pioneer Press Staff, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2023 First City Network aimed to educate the community about AIDS, but with more of a nonconfrontational, Southern approach than national activist groups like ACT UP took. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonconfrontational was in 1968

Rhymes for nonconfrontational

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Browse Nearby Words

nonconfrontation
nonconfrontational
noncongruent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonconfrontational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonconfrontational. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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