World War III

noun

1
: a hypothetical future world war
Among the citizens of these two countries, the suspicion exists that in the event of World War III their lands will pass unnoticed and unscathed …Gordon Ackerman
For years legislators have gone through the motions, knowing that nothing would change. This year they can't be so sure. "Until we have a vote, I'm not moving off this for the budget or World War III," John McCain told me.Jonathan Alter
2
: a major fight or disagreement : a situation in which people are very angry with one another
You instigate World War III when he tells you he wants to go to Hooters with his old frat buddies.Julie Taylor

Examples of World War III in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In contrast, after World War II, the United States maintained peacetime alliances in Eurasia, ultimately defeating Soviet communism without triggering World War III, and providing the security foundation for an unprecedented surge in global prosperity and democracy. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 The person who wrote the email also made a number of other claims, including that China was going to attack the U.S. and that World War III was coming. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 Since World War II, America and its allies lead in military technology has been the pivotal factor in preventing World War III. William Hartung, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 That act did not spark World War III, even though West Berlin was surrounded by East German territory. Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024 The most tenuous part of a possible World War III is the potential that the conflict escalates to a nuclear detonation. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Preparing for World War III also means understanding the opportunities global conflict creates for your company. Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 But contrary to the claim in the post's caption, the article did not characterize the move as the start of World War III. Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 Warns Biden wants to start World War III Bernie Sanders agrees with Elon MUSK, slams Pentagon for failing 7th audit: 'Waste and fraud' Did Eric Adams just try out for a position in the Trump administration on The View?! The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of World War III was in 1940

Cite this Entry

“World War III.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/World%20War%20III. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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