war power

noun

: the power to make war

specifically : an extraordinary power exercised usually by the executive branch of a government in the prosecution of a war

Examples of war power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, Congress has routinely failed to pass an annual budget on time and instead relies on continuing resolutions, has ceded its war powers responsibilities and has conducted insufficient oversight of the executive branch. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

If three more Republicans join Collins and Paul in voting to end the conflict with Iran, the war powers resolution would pass the Senate, sending a loud rebuke to Trump. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 May 2026

Fillmore From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Unilateral action endures The Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of Justice has published legal opinions that explain and defend presidential war powers, including with Kosovo and Libya. —Jasmine Farrier, The Conversation, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for war power

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower