fighting words

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These are fighting words, and we can safely assume that Jackson does not use them lightly.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2025

Those are fighting words for Barry, a 5-foot-9 senior who also plays for the City Section Division III championship soccer team and runs track.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2023

Well, we heard a lot of fighting words, but we didn't see a lot of soldiers.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2023

There are exceptions for libel, incitement, obscenity and fighting words, and one for “true threats,” which is at issue in Mr. Counterman’s case.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2023

They hear fighting words on the wind, when all I’m thinking is how the late-day sun reminds me of a ripe nectarine.

From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate