Search Dictionary
Definition of nonbelligerence

nonbelligerence

/ˌnɒnbəˈlɪdʒərəns/
non · bel · lig · er · ence

Adjective:nonbelligerent
JUMP TO:

nonbelligerence Lexical Profile

nonbelligerence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The status or policy of a nation that does not actively participate in an ongoing war or armed conflict.

Example

"The country declared its official nonbelligerence to avoid being dragged into the escalating regional conflict."


2

A general absence of aggressive, hostile, or warlike behavior.

Example

"The two rival factions maintained a cautious nonbelligerence during the tense border negotiations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nonbelligerence
Antonyms
View all antonyms for nonbelligerence

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with neutrality, nonbelligerence in international relations technically implies that a state, though refraining from armed conflict, may politically or economically favor one side.

• Rhymes for nonbelligerence

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 1930s from the prefix 'non-' and 'belligerence'. Derived from the Latin 'belligerare' (to wage war), which combines 'bellum' (war) and 'gerere' (to wage, carry).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nonbelligerence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nonbelligerence
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.