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

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

Justice Kagan acknowledged that “true threats,” like libel, incitement, obscenity and fighting words, are not protected by the First Amendment.

From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2023

For all her fighting words she gave no overpowering aid—not yet; father and son must prove their mettle still.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer