pacifist 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-sə-fist How to pronounce pacifist (audio)
Definition of pacifistnext
as in dove
a person who opposes war or warlike policies a committed pacifist, Gandhi succeeded in bringing about Indian independence using only nonviolence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pacifist

2 of 2

adjective

variants or pacifistic
as in pacific
inclined to live in peace and to avoid war the newspaper's editorial board has clearly staked out a pacifist position on the current conflict

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 pacifist
Noun
Still, Bale has a couple of nice moments as Mandras, a Greek fisherman who loses his fiancée (Penelope Cruz) to a mandolin-playing pacifist (Cage, of course) but, all told, is pretty reasonable about it. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 The Anabaptists were a radical nonconformist sect that took the egalitarian, pacifist, and renunciatory injunctions of the Bible seriously and tried to organize communal living, before being ruthlessly persecuted by the authorities and other Protestant sects. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The move aimed at strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base marks another step away from pacifist restraints that have shaped its postwar security policy. — CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 Members of the historic pacifist churches like the Quakers, the Mennonites and the Brethren had tough choices to make after hearing the declaration’s call to arms. — Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pacifist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifist
  1. dove
  2. pacific
  3. peaceful
  4. neutral
Noun
  • McGill’s superbly nuanced calls, runs, and trills elicited commentary from a second audience, perched in the trees above—a colloquium of finches, towhees, titmice, kingbirds, juncos, and Eurasian collared doves.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Bartlett’s character is like a rock slab, a vestige of an ancient religion, brought to life in overlapping strips of muslin, linen, and leather in shades of dove, cream, gray, and pale blue, with his hood pulled tight around his face and his hands wrapped in mittens.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of dove
Adjective
  • Olivier tried successfully to get the reader to understand how a gentle, pacific young man could come to kill more than a thousand people, and so capturing the tone and empathetic portrayal not only of Simo Häyhä and his colleagues but also of the often-bewildered Russian soldiers was essential.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Courtesy: Apple Apple on Tuesday sent invites to the media and analysts for a launch event at its campus on September 9 at 10 A.M pacific time.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
Definition of pacific
Adjective
  • City officials have repeatedly said the overwhelming majority of those celebrations have been peaceful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Rocheport is a historic Missouri River village known for its wineries, walkable downtown, and peaceful small-town atmosphere.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • On the other side, the plumbing is being pushed toward neutral ground.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • For a more understated look, classic French tips, neutral ombré, and sheer pink designs offer a polished finish without feeling too bold.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of neutral

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Cite this Entry

“Pacifist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pacifist for Spanish Speakers

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