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
Those are fighting words, but they’re worth debating — especially now, as the headlines demonstrate how badly the antiwar side is doing.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 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
It's about one company claiming that another company's defamatory actions caused it to lose business, not about "fighting words" or incitement to violence.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023
Adam has never met Mrs. Schein, so he doesn’t get that implying that Kim is a worrywart is fighting words.
From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
