as in war
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups
Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities.
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Recent Examples of hostilities
Human rights advocates say Israel’s destruction of health infrastructure and intensified hostilities have hampered efforts to document the full scope of famine in Gaza.
—
Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
His support for a ceasefire and emphasis on humanitarian needs echo the global desire for stability as hostilities continue and diplomatic efforts intensify.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
For example, in a fiery defense of federal aid to the citizens of Alabama and Georgia devastated by recent Native American hostilities, Adams invoked Congress’s war powers, while calling attention to a deeper hypocrisy.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the interethnic hostilities that led to the horrors of Sri Lanka’s civil war—which ended, in 2009, with the brutal defeat of the island’s Tamil minority—persist under his watch.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
John Cleese and Piers Morgan have renewed their social media hostilities over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and Donald Trump‘s state visit to the UK.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
The message refers to the conflict in Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2025
Children bear the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks, and are affected by the disregard for ceasefires and peace agreements.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Just as there are others who are pushing for a more diplomatic, peaceful end to the hostilities between Harry and the royal family.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
His support for a ceasefire and emphasis on humanitarian needs echo the global desire for stability as hostilities continue and diplomatic efforts intensify.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
For example, in a fiery defense of federal aid to the citizens of Alabama and Georgia devastated by recent Native American hostilities, Adams invoked Congress’s war powers, while calling attention to a deeper hypocrisy.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the interethnic hostilities that led to the horrors of Sri Lanka’s civil war—which ended, in 2009, with the brutal defeat of the island’s Tamil minority—persist under his watch.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
John Cleese and Piers Morgan have renewed their social media hostilities over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and Donald Trump‘s state visit to the UK.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
The message refers to the conflict in Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2025
Children bear the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks, and are affected by the disregard for ceasefires and peace agreements.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Just as there are others who are pushing for a more diplomatic, peaceful end to the hostilities between Harry and the royal family.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostilities
Noun
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To end the war and reunite the remaining hostages with their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Broadening the menu with less expensive options is also a way for chain restaurants to fight back against fast food chains, which are currently embroiled in a war amongst themselves, according to Maeve Webster, president of consulting firm Menu Matters.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Robert also produced the film, which followed a group of Southern whiskey runners getting into chases and conflicts with federal agents.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
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Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from the international community and Trump to end the conflict.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostilities. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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