pacifist
/ˈpæsɪfɪst/
NOUN
1. Person who supports peace and opposes war
A person who believes in peace, rejects war and violence as means of resolving disputes, and advocates peaceful solutions, diplomacy, or nonviolent resistance.
1.1. Anti-war beliefs and activism
Used for individuals who oppose military conflict, war, and militarism, often expressing their beliefs through political advocacy, peaceful protests, or campaigns for disarmament.
Synonyms
- antiwar demonstrator
- conscientious objector
- antimilitarist
- antimilitaristic
- dove
- peacenik
- peacemonger
Antonyms
Examples
- In times of conflict, he proudly identifies as a dedicated pacifist, advocating for peaceful resolutions.
- The community admired the pacifist leader for promoting nonviolent solutions to social issues.
- Despite criticism, the politician stood firm in being a vocal pacifist, promoting diplomacy over military intervention.
- As a committed pacifist, she refused to participate in the war.
Related Words
1.2. Nonviolence and peaceful resistance
Used for someone who rejects violence as a means of settling disputes and prefers peaceful methods, nonviolent resistance, and reconciliation when facing disagreement or opposition.
Synonyms
- passive resister
- nonviolent
- peace-lover
- peaceable person
Antonyms
Examples
- The pacifist refused to engage in any form of violence, even in self-defense.
- The organization attracted like-minded pacifists who shared a common commitment to nonviolent principles.
- As a lifelong pacifist, she advocated for nonviolent resistance during the protest.
Related Words
- nonviolence
- passive resistance
- civil disobedience
- peaceful protest
- reconciliation
- mediation
- nonaggression
ADJECTIVE
2. Peaceful and opposed to violence
Characterized by a commitment to pacifism, expressing opposition to war, aggression, and violence while favoring peaceful, noncombative, and diplomatic approaches.
2.1. Political attitudes and opposition to war
Used to describe political beliefs, positions, policies, or approaches that favor peace and diplomacy over military intervention, aggression, or armed conflict.
Synonyms
- pacifistic
- dovish
- antiwar
- antimilitaristic
- pacific
- irenic
- peace-loving
- unwarlike
Antonyms
- aggressive
- antagonistic
- bellicose
- belligerent
- bloodthirsty
- combative
- militaristic
- hawkish
- hostile
- jingoistic
- martial
- pugnacious
- truculent
- warlike
Examples
- The organization attracted supporters who shared a common commitment to pacifist principles.
- The politician maintained a pacifist position despite growing pressure to support military intervention.
- The country's pacifist foreign policy emphasized diplomacy and peaceful cooperation.
Related Words
- pacifism
- antiwar policy
- diplomacy
- disarmament
- nonaggression
- peacekeeping
- neutrality
- peace movement
2.2. Peaceful and nonaggressive behavior
Used to describe a person, attitude, manner, or disposition that avoids confrontation, aggression, and hostility while demonstrating gentleness, calmness, and a preference for peaceful interaction.
Synonyms
- peaceful
- peaceable
- nonviolent
- nonaggressive
- nonbelligerent
- noncombative
- unaggressive
- gentle
- mild
- serene
- tranquil
- quiet
- calm
- irenic
Antonyms
- aggressive
- argumentative
- belligerent
- combative
- contentious
- fierce
- hostile
- hot-tempered
- pugnacious
- quarrelsome
- scrappy
- truculent
Examples
- The pacifist leader encouraged peaceful dialogue instead of confrontation.
- Her pacifist outlook influenced the way she handled disagreements with others.
- The community appreciated his pacifist approach to resolving conflicts.
Related Words
- kindness
- benevolence
- gentleness
- mildness
- calmness
- tranquility
- serenity
- friendliness
- nonviolence
- peacefulness