1
as in hostilities
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups
the war was the result of ethnic tensions that had been building in the region for decades
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2
as in conflict
a lack of agreement or harmony
the siblings always seemed to be at war with one another
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3
as in battle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
only the latest round in the never-ending class war
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as in to fight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of war
David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Politics was responsible for war, for propaganda, for division.
—Kamila Shamsie
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
The worst killers on Earth are captured and taken to an alien planet/game preserve where they're hunted by two warring Predator factions.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Noun
The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Politics was responsible for war, for propaganda, for division.
—Kamila Shamsie
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Verb
In talks held earlier this month in Istanbul — the first face-to-face meeting between the warring sides in recent peace talks — Kyiv and Moscow agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners of war and civilian detainees each.
—Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
The worst killers on Earth are captured and taken to an alien planet/game preserve where they're hunted by two warring Predator factions.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war
Noun
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These meetings initially took place virtually and then in person across different capitals, seeking a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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But Putin had other ideas, tying a halt in hostilities to the West readmitting certain Russian banks into the West’s financial network.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Sen Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, moved to limit Trump's powers by introducing a floor resolution that would require approval from Congress before the U.S. could get involved in a military conflict with Iran.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
19 June 2025
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But some of these same nations have also had to spend significant amounts managing shark-human conflict, often trying to strike a balance between public safety and tourism dollars.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Noun
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After a competitive bidding battle, Amazon MGM Studios has landed the package for a live-action movie revolving around the Bratz doll line with Kim Kardashian and Picturestart on board to produce.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
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While the legal battle is ongoing, the judge's ruling is an early win for the states and a setback for the Trump administration.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
25 June 2025
Verb
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There are mysteries to be solved and fights to be fought, but most of all, there’s a lot of growing up to do.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
14 June 2025
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If there are a number of cautions on Sunday, don’t be surprised if some teams begin to fight mechanical gremlins.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Noun
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The Middle East strife also led to a joint statement from G7 leaders, which affirmed support for Israel and sought a resolution to the region’s tensions.—
Patrick Knickerbocker,
CNBC,
17 June 2025
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In the absence of a viable, united, and organized alternative inside or outside Iran, the fall of the Islamic Republic might send the country into a period of civil strife—or lead to a military dictatorship determined to obtain nuclear deterrence.—
Ali Vaez,
Foreign Affairs,
16 June 2025
Noun
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McIntyre believes their rivalry was proof that personal tension can enhance storytelling.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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The Wolf Pack have fallen behind in the Mountain West in recent years, and are staying in the conference while others head to the Pac-12, so that rivalry flame is dying.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Hill contends the Bills are afraid to cover him man-to-man.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
23 June 2025
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As strangers moments prior, the men had both been nervous that each another might be contending for the same lots, and one of them scooted to a seat farther away to ease the tension.—
Emma Bowman,
NPR,
23 June 2025
Noun
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More: Trump says US intel briefed him about how Iran wants to assassinate him to sow discord in US Tehran’s regional power also has been eroded by the death of its strongest regional ally, Syrian strongman Bashir al-Assad.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
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Success, progress and wins tend to naturally quiet the discord.—
Joe Altieri,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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