Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “War” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
A serious conflict in which countries or groups fight using weapons.
Meaning of War
Armed conflict between nations or groups.
How to Pronounce War
IPA: /wɔːr/ Stress: O
One syllable: /wɔːr/. Rhymes with 'are', 'far', 'car'.
4 Synonyms for War — Words Similar to War
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
conflict
/ˈkɒnflɪkt/A strong disagreement or fight between two people or groups.
Example: The conflict between the two neighboring countries lasted for years.
battle
/ˈbætəl/A large fight between two armies or groups using weapons.
Example: The Battle of Hastings in 1066 changed English history.
struggle
/ˈstrʌɡəl/To try very hard to do something that is difficult.
Example: He struggled to open the jar.
Smart Synonyms for War — When to Use Each
conflict
broader term for any serious disagreement or fighting
battle
single engagement within a larger war
Antonyms of War — Opposite Words
How to Use War and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- World War II ended in 1945. A2
- The war lasted five years. A2
- War causes suffering for millions of people. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of War
What is another word for "war"?
Common synonyms for "war" include: conflict, battle, combat, struggle.
What can I say instead of "war"?
Try one of these alternatives: conflict, battle, combat, struggle. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "war" formal or informal?
"war" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "war" instead of "conflict"?
Use "war" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "conflict" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "war"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "war" include: peace.