WORLD WAR Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

world war

noun

Definition of world war

as in cold war

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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 world war His tenure is not only noted for helping the school navigate the Great Depression and two world wars but for doubling its enrollment from 447 to 929 and helping expand the campus by with buildings like Pfeiffer Hall and Merner Field House. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 The effort aims to turn a base that served in two world wars into a West Coast cargo hub. — James Taylor, CBS News, 21 May 2026 These artists were also reacting to world events, including two world wars. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026 Minghella and a stellar cast never lose the tenderness amidst the epic sweep of a world war. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for world war

Recent Examples of Synonyms for world war

Noun

The report, based on in-depth interviews with single-family office principals and CIOs across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, captures a generational cold war playing out inside the world’s most secretive financial institutions.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Ahead of season 3, EW has launched three motion covers, each one starring a contender for the crown — as the show's cold war escalates into literal dragon fire.

— Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026

Definition of cold war

Noun

The state sponsor of terrorism label, first imposed on Syria in 1979 after a previous regime sided with Palestinian militants, continues to repel the business deals the country needs to recover from its crippling civil war.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
Its incredible restoration under a charismatic Italian priest, his tragic disappearance and presumed death during the Syrian civil war, and the inspiring interfaith work of the monastery's remaining monks and nuns all fascinated me.

— Emily Feng, NPR, 8 July 2026

Definition of civil war

Noun

Commentary and opinions Bass clears the first hurdle, but if Pratt holds off Raman, the mayoral race could be a holy war, writes columnist Steve Lopez.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Khomeini demonized the United States and Soviet Union as the Iran-Iraq holy war raged during much of his tenure.

— USA Today, USA Today, 19 May 2026

Definition of holy war

Noun

In this scenario, which may already be coming to fruition, the meager hope is that the conflict transforms into simply a more limited war.

— Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2024
Many scholars panned the book, believing its 34-year-old author had overestimated the nation’s ability to keep limited war limited.

— David E. Sanger, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023

Definition of limited war

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world souls

world war

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“World war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/world%20war. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of world war

noun

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