warfare

noun

ˈwȯr-ˌfer How to pronounce warfare (audio)
Definition of warfarenext
1
as in war
a lack of agreement or harmony that troubled household seems to be almost constantly in a state of warfare

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another companies engaged in constant warfare for dominance in the market for smart phones and tablets

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of warfare But decades of asymmetric warfare in the Middle East, in which the United States relied largely on drones and bombs, had led some to believe the days of artillery battles were waning. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 Its 2026 defense drills include disabling the internet to test civil resilience and practicing drone warfare strategies inspired by Ukraine. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026 Analysts are divided; some hail it as a success, potentially signaling a return for maneuver warfare, while others remain skeptical. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Officials blamed the inadvertent incursion on Russian electronic warfare. — CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warfare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warfare
  1. war
  2. rivalry
  3. strife
  4. battle
  5. discord
  6. struggle
  7. conflict
  8. competition
Noun
  • But last year, their relationship blew up amid a turf war over CPS employees.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • While pursuing conservative, anti-migrant policies domestically, Meloni adopted a pragmatic approach toward the European Union and became one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in its war against Russia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of war
Noun
  • The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry, which originated in 1892, has waned a bit in recent years as the Milwaukee Brewers have taken control of the National League Central.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • Life had changed drastically for all of them, naturally — there were now dealing with mortgages, children, marital strife, health issues, and your run-of-the-mill middle-age malaise.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The rare interview comes a few months after reports of marital strife between Edo and Beatrice, 37, who tied the knot in 2020.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Then came the Iranian Revolution of 1979, and with it, a new era of chaos and discord.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As the United States marks its 250th anniversary at a time of national discord, Americans are reflecting on the legacy of their country’s history.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Throughout the years, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with addiction.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere has long been candid about her struggles navigating child stardom and fame, often opening up about her experiences with severe postpartum depression (PPD), addiction, and anxiety.
    — Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • Oman, a historic US ally, has attempted to act as a mediator between the US and Iran both before and during the conflict, notably hosting nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington before the war broke out in February.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That definition appears designed to keep participating firms focused on criminal enterprises and out of interstate conflicts.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Contrast that with eventual EFL champions Coventry City (48 in 49 in all competitions) and Championship runners-up Ipswich Town (50 in 49).
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Soaring temperatures are forcing drastic measures in Europe, where successive heatwaves are straining an economy already under pressure from US tariffs, Chinese competition and higher energy prices because of the Iran war.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition

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Cite this Entry

“Warfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warfare. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on warfare

Nglish: Translation of warfare for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warfare

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