World War III

noun

1
: a hypothetical future world war
Among the citizens of these two countries, the suspicion exists that in the event of World War III their lands will pass unnoticed and unscathed …Gordon Ackerman
For years legislators have gone through the motions, knowing that nothing would change. This year they can't be so sure. "Until we have a vote, I'm not moving off this for the budget or World War III," John McCain told me.Jonathan Alter
2
: a major fight or disagreement : a situation in which people are very angry with one another
You instigate World War III when he tells you he wants to go to Hooters with his old frat buddies.Julie Taylor

Examples of World War III 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.
From 1950 to 1983, World War III lasted decades, but World War IV ended in a matter of days? Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025 In the background, World War III raged on between Lily’s grandchildren. Literary Hub, 9 July 2025 Set amid a fictional World War III, the 1984 movie features a group of teens who use guerilla tactics to fight communist invaders. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 In a further sign of the escalating tensions — both in Israel and Iran, and in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled concern Friday about the possibility of the world heading toward World War III. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 20 June 2025 Trump must use restraint and do everything to prevent World War III. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2025 Led by Washington, NATO has decided that the defense of Ukraine is not worth World War III. Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025 The comments were indicative of an emerging rift within Trump's base - the Republican's 2024 White House campaign promised to 'prevent World War III' - over how much military support the United States should offer Israel. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2025 Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the specter of a World War III on Tuesday as the rhetoric between the White House and the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine ramped up. Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of World War III was in 1940

Cite this Entry

“World War III.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/World%20War%20III. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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