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
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
The two sides have since been embroiled in a public war of words, in addition to their legal battle and budding business rivalry.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
The injury led to a public war of words between Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh, Bayern Munich executives and Canada Soccer over how the team handled Davies injury.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Tuesday's meeting turned into a war of words.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for war of words
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Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
The two sides have since been embroiled in a public war of words, in addition to their legal battle and budding business rivalry.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
The injury led to a public war of words between Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh, Bayern Munich executives and Canada Soccer over how the team handled Davies injury.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Tuesday's meeting turned into a war of words.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 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 19 Apr. 2026.
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