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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to fight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of war
Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
At the auction last week, the Coper pot was the subject of a 10-minute bidding war between individuals in London, Denmark and New York, per Artnet’s Jo Lawson-Tancred.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Mar. 2025
While the talks have been ongoing between U.S. and Russian and, separately, U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the two warring countries continue to launch attacks at each other.
—Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Noun
His plan for containing turf wars between gangs was to allow monopolies to flourish.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
At the auction last week, the Coper pot was the subject of a 10-minute bidding war between individuals in London, Denmark and New York, per Artnet’s Jo Lawson-Tancred.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
White Lotus has always been a work made up of closely observed character study (please see this season’s three quietly warring white women who have been friends since childhood).
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Mar. 2025
While the talks have been ongoing between U.S. and Russian and, separately, U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the two warring countries continue to launch attacks at each other.
—Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war
Noun
-
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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There have been no pauses in the conflict since Russia launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion in February 2022.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
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Putin told Gerasimov on Saturday that Russia welcomed efforts from the U.S., China and BRICS countries to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Barner had a good rookie season and the battle between him and Arroyo will be interesting to watch.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Francis died Monday at 88 years old following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, June will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance, per Hulu.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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Garry snapped Prates’ win streak and that of the dominant Fighting Nerds fight camp with a masterful game plan and nearly impeccable execution.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Weiner’s take on the band novel was partially influenced by real-life musicians, the author says: The strife between members of Fleetwood Mac, which fueled their iconic songs.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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All of the women in this show have seen so much strife, but this baby was born in hell.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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Reflecting on their past as competing late-night talk show hosts, Leno said that the way the media portrayed their rivalry was not accurate.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Justice Department contended the jurisdictions lacked legal standing and their claims weren’t ripe because the cities haven’t yet lost any funds.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
24 Apr. 2025
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House Republicans who have been pressed about their position have contended, despite a contrary view from experts, that the Trump cuts can be executed without taking services from Medicaid recipients.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Successfully navigating such a challenge requires insight, tact and a willingness to examine not just your own behavior but also the underlying reasons behind the discord.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Henry's point that discord can be a path toward – rather than an obstacle to – love.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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