war 1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯr How to pronounce war (audio)
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

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2
as in conflict
a lack of agreement or harmony the siblings always seemed to be at war with one another

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in battle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another only the latest round in the never-ending class war

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

war

2 of 2

verb

as in to fight

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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
European officials and law enforcement have warned repeatedly that Russia is waging a hybrid war against Europe, including sabotage, arson and vandalism, as well as influence operations. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Given that the United States keeps getting mired in errant conflicts, Congress urgently needs to reassert its constitutional obligation to approve acts of war and oversee retrenchment. — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
Written and directed by Denmark’s Oscar-winning Anders Thomas Jensen, its warring brothers are played by Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Mads Mikkelsen. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026 Silicon Valley’s warring factions are pouring money into congressional primaries. — Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war
  1. hostilities
  2. conflict
  3. battle
  4. fight
  5. strife
  6. rivalry
  7. contend
  8. warfare
Noun
  • The hostilities began as a month-long student movement over school conditions and teacher shortages in working-class suburbs before broadening into a larger protest movement against inequality, public spending cuts and the rising cost of living.
    — Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Although the correlation between daily prices has been insignificant, cotton prices and Brent crude prices have followed a similar general pattern since the outbreak of hostilities around Iran.
    — SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of hostilities
Noun
  • The group’s plans for the Middle East have been affected by the regional conflict, which has put some expansion activity in the region on hold.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Given that the United States keeps getting mired in errant conflicts, Congress urgently needs to reassert its constitutional obligation to approve acts of war and oversee retrenchment.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Still, when the measles outbreak erupted, Bangladesh responded swiftly and initially seemed to be winning the battle.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Policy Policy Your guide to the Supreme Court, federal courts, judicial nominations, and the legal battles shaping American policy.
    — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • Attorney General James Uthmeier is bringing plenty of strife to Discord, the messaging and gaming platform.
    — CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Australia was in strife at 124-6 on day one but his 190 turned the momentum.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • The Jets have the home-field advantage in the rivalry game and have more experienced veterans on the roster while in the second year of coach Glenn’s regime, as Miami is in its first year under coach Jeff Hafley.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • An in-state rivalry between two California teams tips off tonight.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of rivalry
Verb
  • The lawsuit in District Court for the District of Columbia contends that the federal government failed to comply with numerous statutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Mazzio's attorney said the two men are longtime friends and contends their actions were legal.
    — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of contend
Noun
  • During the first years of the war, Russia’s nuclear muscle flexing and hybrid warfare failed to prevent Ukraine’s allies from funneling financial support, military aid, and targeting intelligence to Kyiv.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Russian electronic warfare may have diverted the drone during a Ukrainian operation against legitimate military targets in Russia, ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said in a statement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of warfare

Phrases Containing war

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wants
war
war (against)
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Cite this Entry

“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on war

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about war

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