war of words
noun phrase
: an argument in which people or groups criticize and disagree with each other publicly and repeatedly for usually a long time
Rival groups have engaged in a war of words over the new law.
Examples of war of words in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jets coach Scott Arniel and Blues coach Jim Montgomery exchanged a war of words about the hits following Wednesday’s game.
—
Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Fort Worth council candidate Payton Jackson launched another salvo in her war of words against incumbent Chris Nettles, using a homophobic slur to describe the incumbent.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
Others are highlighting the clash between the executive and judicial branches and their concern about the administration defying a court order, despite the concern in some circles about escalating a war of words with the White House.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
Cybele Mayes-Osterman USA TODAY The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East as a war of words between Iran and President Donald Trump over Iran's nuclear ambitions sent tensions spiraling in recent days.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
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Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Fort Worth council candidate Payton Jackson launched another salvo in her war of words against incumbent Chris Nettles, using a homophobic slur to describe the incumbent.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
Others are highlighting the clash between the executive and judicial branches and their concern about the administration defying a court order, despite the concern in some circles about escalating a war of words with the White House.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
Cybele Mayes-Osterman USA TODAY The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East as a war of words between Iran and President Donald Trump over Iran's nuclear ambitions sent tensions spiraling in recent days.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war of words
Cite this Entry
“War of words.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20of%20words. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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