war of words
noun phrase
: an argument in which people or groups criticize and disagree with each other publicly and repeatedly for usually a long time
Rival groups have engaged in a war of words over the new law.
Examples of war of words in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The latest war of words marks a dramatic downturn in relations between the two right-wing leaders.
—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Last week, New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani got into a war of words regarding team watch parties.
—
Ryan Morik Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
The abrupt termination was accompanied by a war of words, with Rothman writing two letters to the board, protesting its pressure on him to resign and claiming he was given no reason for threats to fire him.
—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Kevin Hart The roast controversy du jour is currently the war of words between Chelsea Handler and comedians Tony Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for war of words
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Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Last week, New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani got into a war of words regarding team watch parties.
—
Ryan Morik Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
The abrupt termination was accompanied by a war of words, with Rothman writing two letters to the board, protesting its pressure on him to resign and claiming he was given no reason for threats to fire him.
—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Kevin Hart The roast controversy du jour is currently the war of words between Chelsea Handler and comedians Tony Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for war of words
Cite this Entry
“War of words.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20of%20words. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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