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.

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

In Nevada, water use proposals are considered fighting words.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 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