limited war

noun

Synonyms of limited warnext
: a war whose objective is less than the total defeat of the enemy

Examples of limited war in a Sentence

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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.
Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in a limited war since last October, but Israeli forces have significantly escalated the scope of their attacks since the beginning of September in an attempt to force Hezbollah to stop its attacks on northern Israel. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Sep. 2024 In this scenario, which may already be coming to fruition, the meager hope is that the conflict transforms into simply a more limited war. — Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limited war was in 1806

Rhymes for limited war

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“Limited war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limited%20war. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

limited war

noun
: a war whose goal is less than the total defeat of the enemy

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