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
Then, starting in late 2023, three events turned a cold war between the police and the city into an open conflict.
—
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The world is facing threats not of a cold war or just a trade war, but a capital war where money is being weaponized, according to billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cold war
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Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The world is facing threats not of a cold war or just a trade war, but a capital war where money is being weaponized, according to billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
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
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 15 Feb. 2026.
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