casus belli
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.
In his speech announcing the war, Mr. Trump explained the extensive casus belli to the American people.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
In such a febrile atmosphere the risk of a misunderstanding or unplanned escalation is greater, and Russia could use such an incident as a casus belli.
From Reuters • Dec. 23, 2021
He could well seize on some alleged affront in the negotiations themselves as a casus belli.
From Washington Post • Dec. 14, 2021
One of the few voices that challenged Polk’s casus belli was Abraham Lincoln, then serving in Congress.
From The New Yorker • May 13, 2019
Others attacked this conclusion, and the skeletons became one of the casus belli of the evolution wars.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
