1
: peaceable sense 1
They are a peaceful people.
2
3
: of or relating to a state or time of peace
… the feasibility of creating a peaceful world order.—
Alan Tonelson
Alan Tonelson4
: devoid of violence or force
The opposing groups used peaceful tactics.
peacefulness
noun
Examples of peaceful in a Sentence
The park is so peaceful and quiet.
They settled the conflict by peaceful means.
We need to find a peaceful alternative to war.
Recent Examples on the Web
There are countless definitions of democracy, but virtually all Americans agree on several core criteria: free and fair elections, checks and balances, peaceful transfers of power, free speech.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump also commuted the sentences of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members who were charged with plotting to forcibly halt the peaceful transfer of power in 2020 to time served.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Their decision to attend underscores a commitment to the traditions of American democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
The riot took place after a Trump speech imploring supporters to march on the Capitol and interrupt the peaceful transfer of power after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for peaceful 
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Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump also commuted the sentences of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members who were charged with plotting to forcibly halt the peaceful transfer of power in 2020 to time served.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Their decision to attend underscores a commitment to the traditions of American democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
The riot took place after a Trump speech imploring supporters to march on the Capitol and interrupt the peaceful transfer of power after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for peaceful
Dictionary Entries Near peaceful
Cite this Entry
“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peaceful. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
peaceful
adjective
peace·ful
ˈpēs-fəl 
1
: enjoying peace and quiet
a peaceful people
2
: quiet entry 2 sense 1c, tranquil
a peaceful countryside
especially
: not at war
3
: not involving violence or force
settled the conflict by peaceful means
peacefulness
noun
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