at war
Engaged in hostilities
At war describes a state of active armed conflict between nations, groups, or factions.
Countries that are at war have formally or effectively declared hostilities against each other: The two nations have been at war for three years.
The phrase extends to ongoing struggles or deep opposition: She felt at war with herself over the decision.
Being at war implies sustained conflict rather than a single battle or skirmish.
Combat engagement area
- frontlineCombat's forward position
- trenchesElongated ground excavations
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
skirmish · clash · hostilities · escalation · ceasefire · armistice · insurgency · guerrilla
Angry, prolonged conflict
- conflictOpposition between parties
- tensionStretched or strained state
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- discordLack of agreement
feud · struggle · friction · rivalry · dispute · schism · division · unrest
Organized land-based military
- navyMaritime military force
- airforceAerial military branch
- marinesNaval infantry soldiers
- soldiersMilitary personnel who fight
troops · battalion · regiment · brigade · infantry · artillery · tanks · submarines
Hostile and eager to clash
- adversarialCharacterized by conflict
- antagonisticActively opposed or hostile
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
aggressive · contentious · acrimonious · bellicose · inimical · oppositional · irreconcilable · embattled
battlefield
Combat engagement area
- frontlineCombat's forward position
- trenchesElongated ground excavations
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
campaign · skirmish · clash · hostilities · escalation · ceasefire · armistice · insurgency · guerrilla · resistance
strife
Angry, prolonged conflict
- conflictOpposition between parties
- tensionStretched or strained state
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
discord · feud · struggle · friction · rivalry · dispute · schism · division · unrest · instability
army
Organized land-based military
soldiers · troops · battalion · regiment · brigade · infantry · artillery · tanks · submarines · battleships
belligerent
Hostile and eager to clash
- adversarialCharacterized by conflict
- antagonisticActively opposed or hostile
- combativeInclined toward conflict
confrontational · aggressive · contentious · acrimonious · bellicose · inimical · oppositional · irreconcilable · embattled · feuding
at warat peace
In a calm state
peaceful · ceasefire · nonbelligerent · pacified · demilitarized
at warallied
Joined in partnership
at peace · in partnership · reconciled · friendly · on good terms
at warat peace
In a calm state
at ease · in harmony · content · reconciled · serene
war, at, warfare, warring, warlike, warred, wartime, warmonger, at peace