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

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Trump has been ramping up his war of words against the Federal Reserve this year, attacking Fed chair Jerome Powell as economists warn of a looming dollar disaster. Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 In recent days, his diplomatic approach has involved a war of words with the leaders of Australia and France over their decisions to recognize a Palestinian state. Andrew Jones, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025 The broadside against Cook comes amid Trump’s continued war of words with Fed chair Jerome Powell over his refusal to dramatically lower interest rates, which the president believes will juice the slowing economy. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025 The California governor has been punching back at Trump over the past few weeks, particularly in the war of words over redistricting. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for war of words

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Cite this Entry

“War of words.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20of%20words. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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