WordValea war of words
a heated public argument
In more detail
(idiom) a disagreement or conflict expressed through argument and criticism rather than through physical violence or force
Examples
- The two politicians engaged in a war of words throughout the election campaign.
How to use a war of words
This idiom describes conflict that remains at the level of argument, criticism, or hostile speech without escalating to physical violence. It typically appears in news reporting, political commentary, or discussions of interpersonal conflicts, often with a tone suggesting the conflict is relatively non-serious or at least non-violent compared to actual warfare or physical confrontation.
Common phrases
- engage in a war of words
- a war of words broke out
- a bitter war of words
- a war of words between
- descended into a war of words
Synonyms
dispute · quarrel · argument · verbal conflict · exchange of insults
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with actual violence or overestimate its severity; remember that 'war of words' specifically emphasizes the verbal nature and absence of physical harm.
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