war power

noun

: the power to make war
specifically : an extraordinary power exercised usually by the executive branch of a government in the prosecution of a war

Examples of war power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Constitution divides the war power precisely because war reshapes nations. Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 The founders divided war powers between the presidency and Congress because of the immense stakes involved. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 Unlike war powers resolutions, which in this case would limit military action after the fact, new spending cannot occur until Congress writes and passes legislation appropriating additional funds. Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026 The Constitution on war powers, executive power, DHS funding and Kennedy style, in readers’ eyes. Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for war power

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of war power was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“War power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20power. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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