What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wars
Example
The two countries have been at war for years. [war: noun]
Example
He fought in the war and was injured. [war: noun]
conflict
Example
The conflict between the two neighbors escalated quickly. [conflict: noun]
Example
They are trying to resolve their conflicts peacefully. [conflicts: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conflict is more commonly used than war in everyday language. Conflict is a broader term that covers a wide range of situations, from personal disagreements to international disputes. In contrast, war is a more specific term that refers to a prolonged and intense armed conflict between nations or states.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wars and conflict?
While war is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, conflict is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.