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
Target competitor Walmart is embroiled in a war of words with President Donald Trump over its statement that tariffs will cause the chain to raise prices.
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Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 22 May 2025
The intensifying war of words could complicate any potential agreement on nuclear constraints, oil sanctions, or regional security arrangements—issues central to both governments' strategic objectives.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
The back-and-forth has been highly publicized and even included a war of words between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Civilians here fear that today’s war of words between Islamabad and New Delhi will soon erupt into real conflict.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for war of words
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Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 22 May 2025
The intensifying war of words could complicate any potential agreement on nuclear constraints, oil sanctions, or regional security arrangements—issues central to both governments' strategic objectives.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
The back-and-forth has been highly publicized and even included a war of words between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Civilians here fear that today’s war of words between Islamabad and New Delhi will soon erupt into real conflict.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
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 4 Jun. 2025.
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