arms race

noun

: a race between hostile nations to accumulate or develop weapons
broadly : an ever escalating race or competition

Examples of arms race in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Today’s internet blackout in Iran, in other words, is merely the most visible manifestation of an accelerating information arms race. Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 But critics say the costly project — some analysts put its price tag at as much as $1 trillion — could have the unintended effect of triggering an arms race, rather than deterring adversarial behavior. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026 And with its focus on getting the next generation of creative professionals using these tools early, the company might be setting itself up to be a long-term winner in the AI arms race. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2026 The Stars are in an arms race with the Wild, and Minnesota is gaining ground. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arms race

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arms race was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Arms race.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arms%20race. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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