war 1 of 2

Definition of warnext
1
as in hostilities
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups the war was the result of ethnic tensions that had been building in the region for decades

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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war

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of war
Noun
Eight Republicans helped push through a war powers resolution this month that directs the president to remove armed forces from hostilities with Iran, unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Once the film won over its initial Sundance audience, the studios’ specialty units — reportedly Warner Bros Clockwork, Focus, Searchlight, along with NEON, Apple, Sony, and Amazon — all came calling, in what turned into the festival’s most heated bidding war. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
Verb
The warring factions of the silver-haired Targaryen clan, led by Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) on Team Black and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) on Team Green, are finally fully stocked with armies and fire-breathing weapons of mass destruction and ready to fight for the Iron Throne. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Why the hell doesn’t war ever change? Jack King, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war
Noun
  • The recent military action tested an initial agreement that was supposed to halt hostilities during 60 days of negotiations.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • However, on Sunday, Washington and Tehran agreed to pause hostilities, resume commercial vessel traffic through the strategically important waterway and resume technical talks towards a peace deal.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire expanded its reach across more tinder-dry forest, as crews rush to fight new blazes in the arid state.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Plata was fighting a pretty strong German defense and a hold on his jersey to get up there.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The earthquakes have compounded problems created by years of economic and political strife, particularly for the overwhelmed healthcare system.
    Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • The program was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters, civil strife and other instability.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • In his first chance to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his still-new Padres uniform Friday night, Buehler was a star in this NL West rivalry once again.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The other final will see Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay renew their rivalry from Forbidden Door 2024, this time with an AEW World Championship match at Wembley Stadium on the line.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The report generally contends that a single-payer system would, by eliminating the paperwork and other aspects of the current system, be the most efficient from a cost/benefit basis.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Experts contended that the progressive candidates could split the vote, opening the door for McAdams to win.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Police say the violence on Sydney’s streets is being orchestrated from abroad – and teenagers are being lured into the complex web of gang warfare with the promise of fast cash.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • As long-range precision weapons become central to modern warfare, reducing mission planning from hours to minutes could prove just as valuable as extending missile range or improving accuracy.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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