Synonyms of hostilities

hostilities

noun

plural of hostility

as in war

a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• war
• conflict
• skirmish
• conflagration
• fighting
• warfare
• battle
• hot war
• civil war
• cold war
• police action
• engagement
• world war
• combat
• holy war
• action
• limited war

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace
• disarmament
• demobilization
• pacification
• truce
• demilitarization
• calm
• tranquility
• cease-fire
• peacefulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hostilities

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 14 to halt hostilities, prompting gas to fall back below $4 a few days later. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

There was a respite from active hostilities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on June 17, that laid out the terms of an extended 60-day cease-fire to allow time for further negotiations to take place. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 July 2026

Renewed hostilities in the Gulf region pushed the Brent futures contract above $90 a barrel on Monday, as investors braced for a return to all-out war. — Anniek Bao,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 July 2026

The Iranian regime has plenty to answer for in this return to hostilities. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

While May and June saw an interim deal to end the war, temporary reprieves from hostilities and the strait’s reopening, recent and intensifying strikes by both the Islamic Republic and the United States have halted that progress. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a post-Vietnam War law, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of the start of military hostilities. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 July 2026

As such, the periods of relative calm that followed these ceasefires created space for Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities, consolidate its political influence and retain the initiative over when to resume hostilities with Israel. — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Trump flew the new Qatari plane to a NATO summit in Turkey but left the event in an older Air Force One as a security precaution as hostilities with Iran flared up. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 10 July 2026