often attributive
1
a(1)
: a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations
(2)
: a period of such armed conflict
(3)
b
: the art or science of warfare
c(1)
obsolete
: weapons and equipment for war
(2)
archaic
: soldiers armed and equipped for war
2
a
: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism
b
: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end
a class war
a war against disease
c
warred; warring
Examples of war in a Sentence
Noun
They fought a war over the disputed territory.
A war broke out when the colonists demanded their independence.
We need to resolve our conflicts without resorting to war.
People behave differently during a time of war.
The taking of American hostages was seen as an act of war by the United States.
the budget wars in Washington
Verb (1)
continually warring against their neighbors in an effort to expand their territory
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Iran Offer The flare-up between India and Pakistan has been overshadowed globally by the war between Israel and Iran, with the United States also joining strikes against Tehran's nuclear program.
—Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 June 2025
With the budget process now off limits, the warring factions may duke it out through the normal legislative process, although there is a theory in some circles that the Department of Water Resources could proceed because the State Water Project was approved by voters 65 years ago.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Israel’s war with Iran is over Unfortunately, the history of foreign policy and military mistakes shows the folly of assuming one’s opponents will behave as desired.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Iran Offer The flare-up between India and Pakistan has been overshadowed globally by the war between Israel and Iran, with the United States also joining strikes against Tehran's nuclear program.
—Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Verb
Israel accused Iran of committing war crimes on Thursday after the latest barrage of missiles struck a hospital in southern Israel, as the warring nations close in on one week of fighting.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 June 2025
With the budget process now off limits, the warring factions may duke it out through the normal legislative process, although there is a theory in some circles that the Department of Water Resources could proceed because the State Water Project was approved by voters 65 years ago.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
war
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a state or period of armed hostile conflict between states, nations, or groups
b
: the science of warfare
2
a
: a state of hostility, antagonism, or conflict
b
: a struggle between opposing forces or for a particular goal
a war on disease
war
2 of 2 verb
warred; warring
1
: to engage in warfare
warring nations
2
: to be in conflict
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