Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

nonlethal

American  
[nahn-leeth-uhl] / ˌnɑnˈliθ əl /

adjective

  1. not lethal; not causing death.


nonlethal British  
/ nɒnˈliːθəl /

adjective

  1. not resulting in or capable of causing death

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The state has allocated approximately $5.6 million since 2021 for programs to compensate ranchers for animals killed by wolves and to support nonlethal deterrence methods.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

It would require ranchers seeking compensation to show they were using nonlethal deterrents approved by the department.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Current rules limit exports to nonlethal uses, such as rescue missions, transportation and minesweeping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Judge Menendez's 83-page order bars federal agents from arresting and "using pepper-spray or similar nonlethal munitions and crowd dispersal tools against persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity".

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

When one of 'em lines up with a live contact, you get quite a little jolt—guaranteed nonlethal.

From Gambler's World by Laumer, Keith

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "nonlethal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com