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
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.
Badenoch previously engaged in a social media war of words with Doctor Who star David Tennant. Caroline Frost, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024 Rather than engage in a war of words with the Kremlin, the White House, and Vice President Kamala Harris, countered with a proposal for celestial peace. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 This episode also marks a shift in several relationships as Bob (Sean Astin) confesses his feelings for Joyce (Winona Ryder) at a Halloween party, while Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Steve (Joe Keery) are caught in a war of words. Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Even before Friday’s announcement, the war of words had intensified. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for war of words 

Dictionary Entries Near 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 23 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!