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
But since this conflict started, Iran has been attacking the energy infrastructure all around the Gulf, even among nations with no hostilities towards Iran.
—
ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's Ruwais refinery, the largest in the Middle East, was shut as a precaution after a drone strike caused a fire, while operators in Fujairah temporarily suspended some terminal activity amid hostilities.
—Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
The Columbia report considered various scenarios, including small-scale hostilities in the Gulf and a major war that closed the Strait of Hormuz and drew in other countries in the region.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
So how are Israelis handling the Iranian onslaught, which erupted a short eight months after the previous round of hostilities concluded?
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
If and when that happens, present hostilities can end.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
So far, however, there is no sign of hostilities easing.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Aluminum hit the highest in almost four years before erasing gains, as escalating hostilities in the Middle East worsened the supply outlook from the region.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Even as Iran’s president apologized to Gulf nations, analysts see the strikes as Tehran’s attempt to impose costs on its neighbors and push them to oppose US and Israeli hostilities.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's Ruwais refinery, the largest in the Middle East, was shut as a precaution after a drone strike caused a fire, while operators in Fujairah temporarily suspended some terminal activity amid hostilities.
—Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
The Columbia report considered various scenarios, including small-scale hostilities in the Gulf and a major war that closed the Strait of Hormuz and drew in other countries in the region.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
So how are Israelis handling the Iranian onslaught, which erupted a short eight months after the previous round of hostilities concluded?
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
If and when that happens, present hostilities can end.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
So far, however, there is no sign of hostilities easing.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Aluminum hit the highest in almost four years before erasing gains, as escalating hostilities in the Middle East worsened the supply outlook from the region.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Even as Iran’s president apologized to Gulf nations, analysts see the strikes as Tehran’s attempt to impose costs on its neighbors and push them to oppose US and Israeli hostilities.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostilities
Noun
-
Anand arrived in Turkey for consultations on the situation in the region as the war rages on.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The former national counterterrorism director voiced his objection to the Iran war in a social media post on Tuesday.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The longer the conflict goes, the more pronounced questions about the midterms will become.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Romantasy books blend the best of both the fantasy and romance genres, delivering high-stakes political conflicts, endless action and plot twists, and, of course, swoon-worthy love.—
De Elizabeth,
Glamour,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hostilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostilities. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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