as in wars
a a state or period of fighting between groups of people in the same country
a region that has had many civil wars
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Recent Examples of civil wars
All revolutions are ultimately civil wars, right?
—
Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
Then, back-to-back civil wars in the 1990s and 2000s cratered the economy.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
This week marks a decade since Merkel’s historic decision to open her country’s borders to the large numbers of migrants who were then arriving in Europe in search of refuge from civil wars or dire economic hardship.
—Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
In the 20th century, China was devastated by civil wars, Japanese occupation, and then very bad policies which led to low productivity and widespread famine.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
Then, back-to-back civil wars in the 1990s and 2000s cratered the economy.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
This week marks a decade since Merkel’s historic decision to open her country’s borders to the large numbers of migrants who were then arriving in Europe in search of refuge from civil wars or dire economic hardship.
—Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
In the 20th century, China was devastated by civil wars, Japanese occupation, and then very bad policies which led to low productivity and widespread famine.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil wars
Noun
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Since states first popped up, history has been full of wars.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
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But with executions, clan wars, and new militias emerging, officials and residents alike say the post-war phase may test whether that peace can hold — or whether Gaza is entering yet another cycle of terror and revenge.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The end of hostilities could also revive deals like a joint venture between BP and Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, which had been paused during the war.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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The alliance should also increase its training with an eye toward degrading or destroying the Kaliningrad facilities should direct hostilities break out.—
James Stavridis,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Thomas warns, the square with Pluto is particularly challenging, representing unexpected hurdles, conflicts, and hardship thrust at us from left field.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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Armed conflicts have further contributed to supply chain disruptions and undermined the viability of the just-in-time delivery model.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Civil wars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil%20wars. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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