WORLD WAR Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

world war

noun

Definition of world war

as in cold war

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of world war His tenure is not only noted for helping the school navigate the Great Depression and two world wars but for doubling its enrollment from 447 to 929 and helping expand the campus by with buildings like Pfeiffer Hall and Merner Field House. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 The effort aims to turn a base that served in two world wars into a West Coast cargo hub. — James Taylor, CBS News, 21 May 2026 These artists were also reacting to world events, including two world wars. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026 Minghella and a stellar cast never lose the tenderness amidst the epic sweep of a world war. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for world war

Recent Examples of Synonyms for world war

Noun

The report, based on in-depth interviews with single-family office principals and CIOs across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, captures a generational cold war playing out inside the world’s most secretive financial institutions.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Ahead of season 3, EW has launched three motion covers, each one starring a contender for the crown — as the show's cold war escalates into literal dragon fire.

— Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026

Definition of cold war

Noun

Even a local Catholic priest launched a holy war against the school over its new athletic facility.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026
Commentary and opinions Bass clears the first hurdle, but if Pratt holds off Raman, the mayoral race could be a holy war, writes columnist Steve Lopez.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of holy war

Noun

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
Many scholars panned the book, believing its 34-year-old author had overestimated the nation’s ability to keep limited war limited.

— David E. Sanger, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023

Definition of limited war

Browse Nearby Words

world souls

world war

world wars

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“World war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/world%20war. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of world war

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

divulge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes