nonbelligerent

[non-buh-lij-er-uhnt]

adjective

1. of or relating to a country whose status or policy is one of nonbelligerency.

noun

1. a nation that does not engage officially in a war but openly favors or gives aid to one of the active participants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonbelligerent¹

First recorded in 1905–10; non- + belligerent

Example Sentences

The issue is sensitive for the U.S. government, which has cast itself as a nonbelligerent friend to the government in Kyiv as it fights for its sovereignty and survival.

Read more on Washington Post

“It is rare that a nonthreatening, nonbelligerent person ends up dying like this. ... What was the officers’ justification for detaining him?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Over time, such cooperation could gradually acclimate Arab peoples to a nonbelligerent stance toward Israel.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

• amicable 
• bloodless 
• calm 
• harmonious 
• neutral 
• nonviolent 
• peace-loving www.thesaurus.com
• placid 
• quiet 
• smooth 
• steady 
• tranquil