cold war
noun
1
: a conflict over ideological differences carried on by methods short of sustained overt military action and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations
specifically,
often Cold War
: the ideological conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the second half of the 20th century compare hot war
2
: a condition of rivalry, mistrust, and often open hostility short of violence especially between power groups (such as labor and management)
Examples of cold war in a Sentence
the era of the Cold War
the cold war between the party's more liberal and conservative members
Recent Examples on the Web
Since that weekend, Brooklyn has been in a cold war with his parents.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
America quickly pivoted from postwar euphoria and demobilization to planning for a long, cold war.
—Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The years 1945 to 1953, when America transitioned from the Great Depression and the politics of World War II into a cold war with the Soviet Union, shaped both domestic and foreign policy.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
But the fallout lasted years, beginning Murphy's cold war with the show.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold war
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Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
America quickly pivoted from postwar euphoria and demobilization to planning for a long, cold war.
—Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The years 1945 to 1953, when America transitioned from the Great Depression and the politics of World War II into a cold war with the Soviet Union, shaped both domestic and foreign policy.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
But the fallout lasted years, beginning Murphy's cold war with the show.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold war
Cite this Entry
“Cold war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20war. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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