Definitions

fighting words

NOUN

threatening words

Synonyms

WEAK

taunt terms of disparagement threat

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

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has had some fighting words for Google, too.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

In corporate-speak, those are fighting words about as barbed as they come: They insinuated that Altman had been lying.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2023

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

From Salon • Jun. 16, 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