Skip to main content
dove

dove

11 6.7
A person who prefers peaceful, diplomatic solutions rather than war
  • noun
  • /dʌv/
translation icon : paloma
  • Many politicians consider themselves doves who support dialogue over conflict.
  • hawks and doves

Examples

  • As a dove, she always advocates for peaceful resolutions in international disputes.

  • On the other hand, Carter's policy instincts were, at least initially, closer to those of Vance and the other doves in the administration than to his hawkish national security adviser.

    Academic text (2009)
  • - Do you think he'll respect the dove of peace?

  • I've got to play the hawk in Vietnam and the dove in China.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • It's been observed that in your views on Vietnam you've changed from dove to hawk.

  • Hawks have pushed for regime change or military strikes, whereas doves have favored arms control and negotiation.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The committee included both hawks and doves, reflecting the diverse opinions on military intervention.

Synonyms

peacemaker
vsdove
23 3.7

A person who helps end arguments and makes people agree

promotes diplomatic policy choices at a political or international level
pacifist
vsdove
8 5.3

Not supporting war or violence and preferring peaceful solutions

supports diplomatic approaches in political affairs rather than general moral opposition
peacenik
vsdove
  • Archaic
5 8.4

A person who is against war and supports peace by calling for talks

advocates diplomatic solutions within formal political or international settings
neutralist
vsdove
  • Formal
1 7.8

A person who wants their country to stay out of other countries' wars

favors active diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes rather than neutrality

Antonyms

45 7.4

A person who supports using military force in other countries

Compounds

1 6.2

A small wild bird in North America that makes a soft, sad cooing sound

1 9.9

A woman, often a prostitute, who people think has a bad reputation

3.4

A pale grey pigeon with black-striped wings from Europe and Asia

How Peaceful

pacifist
8 5.3
dove
11 6.7
moderate
85 4.6
hawk
45 7.4
warmonger
  • Offensive
17 8.1

Surface Forms

dove singular
doves plural

Etymology

Calling someone a dove is a simple image from the bird's symbol of 'peace', so a political 'dove' is a person who prefers talks and calm solutions instead of military action.