often attributive
1
a(1)
: a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations
(2)
: a period of such armed conflict
(3)
b
: the art or science of warfare
c(1)
obsolete
: weapons and equipment for war
(2)
archaic
: soldiers armed and equipped for war
2
a
: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism
b
: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end
a class war
a war against disease
c
warred; warring
Synonyms
Examples of war in a Sentence
Noun
They fought a war over the disputed territory.
A war broke out when the colonists demanded their independence.
We need to resolve our conflicts without resorting to war.
People behave differently during a time of war.
The taking of American hostages was seen as an act of war by the United States.
the budget wars in Washington
Verb (1)
continually warring against their neighbors in an effort to expand their territory
Recent Examples on the Web
Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The filing also discusses regulatory disclosures, including the impact of geopolitical risks such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflict on commodity prices.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024
The 2025 budget is the first real domestic test for the PM, who has inherited something of a poisoned chalice, with France’s fiscal challenges and warring political establishment providing the backdrop to the new government after several months of political uncertainty in the country.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for war 
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Noun
Seven active duty members of the Ukrainian military who were musicians before the war started in 2022 have been on a goodwill tour of the West Coast and will perform in downtown San Jose on Nov. 17.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The filing also discusses regulatory disclosures, including the impact of geopolitical risks such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflict on commodity prices.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
His latest is a comedy-drama about family warring over matters of inheritance.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024
The 2025 budget is the first real domestic test for the PM, who has inherited something of a poisoned chalice, with France’s fiscal challenges and warring political establishment providing the backdrop to the new government after several months of political uncertainty in the country.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for war
Dictionary Entries Near war
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
war
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a state or period of armed hostile conflict between states, nations, or groups
b
: the science of warfare
2
a
: a state of hostility, antagonism, or conflict
b
: a struggle between opposing forces or for a particular goal
a war on disease
war
2 of 2 verb
warred; warring
1
: to engage in warfare
warring nations
2
: to be in conflict
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