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 war of words has been going on for months.
—
Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Ukpo and the Los Angeles Police Department got into a bitter war of words over the decision to withhold the autopsy findings from the public last year.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
What transpired next was a war of words between the two goddess-like figures in the pro wrestling industry.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Political scientists note that Washington and the Vatican have been at odds over policy before, but this war of words is uniquely bitter.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for war of words
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Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Ukpo and the Los Angeles Police Department got into a bitter war of words over the decision to withhold the autopsy findings from the public last year.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
What transpired next was a war of words between the two goddess-like figures in the pro wrestling industry.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Political scientists note that Washington and the Vatican have been at odds over policy before, but this war of words is uniquely bitter.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 14 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2026.
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