holy war

noun

Synonyms of holy warnext
: a war or violent campaign waged often by religious extremists for what is considered to be a holy purpose

Examples of holy war 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.
Huffman is eager to find out more about claims that the military is promoting its operation in Iran as a holy war. — Alexei Koseff, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Mar. 2026 And now religion has raised its ugly head in addresses to American troops about the conflict in Iran being a holy war and part of God’s plan. — Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 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, 4 June 2026 Khomeini demonized the United States and Soviet Union as the Iran-Iraq holy war raged during much of his tenure. — USA Today, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for holy war

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holy war was in 1639

Rhymes for holy war

See All Rhymes for holy war

Browse Nearby Words

holy unction
holy war
holy water
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holy war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holy%20war. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

holy war

noun
: a war or violent campaign carried on for what is considered a holy purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on holy war

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for holy war

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holy war

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