holy war

USAGE SUMMARY

"holy war" is an acceptable and often used phrase in written English.
It usually refers to a conflict that is instigated by one or more religious groups or governments. For example, "In the Middle Ages, a series of holy wars were fought between Christian and Muslim forces in the Holy Land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That isn't holy war.

The New York Times

Holy war will continue.

The New York Times

"Holy War, Inc".

The New York Times

He waged holy war with modern methods.

The New York Times

"His war is not a holy war.

The New York Times

"Holy war is an obligation".

The New York Times

It's not a holy war.

The New Yorker

Jihad is not just holy war".

The Guardian

Osama bin Laden promised holy war.

The New York Times

Holy war comes to South Park.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A 'holy' war requires a call for jihad".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "holy war", ensure the context clearly indicates a conflict motivated by religious factors to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Do not use "holy war" to describe any conflict with strong ideological components; reserve it for situations where religion is a primary driver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holy war" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of conflict motivated by religious reasons, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "holy war" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a conflict primarily motivated by religious reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, especially within the news and media and academia. While the term can be sensitive, it's essential to use it accurately, reserving it for conflicts where religion is a central driver. Related terms include "religious war", "jihad", and "crusade", each carrying nuanced meanings. When writing, be precise in your usage to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

religious war

Focuses specifically on the religious nature of the conflict.

jihad

An Islamic term that can refer to a struggle or war, often interpreted as a holy war.

religious conflict

A more general term for conflicts involving religion.

war of religion

Another way to describe a war primarily motivated by religious reasons.

religious crusade

Combines both religious and crusading aspects of a conflict.

crusade

Historically refers to a series of religious wars, but can be used metaphorically.

faith-based war

Highlights that the war is based on faith.

sectarian violence

Highlights violence between different religious sects.

ideological conflict

Broadens the concept to include conflicts based on differing beliefs or principles.

zealous war

Emphasizes the passionate and fervent nature of the conflict.

FAQs

What is the definition of "holy war"?

A "holy war" is a war primarily or ostensibly caused or justified by differences in religion.

What are some synonyms for "holy war"?

Alternatives to "holy war" include "religious war", "jihad" (in certain contexts), and "crusade".

Is "holy war" always related to physical violence?

While "holy war" typically implies physical conflict, it can also be used metaphorically to describe intense ideological or spiritual battles, although this usage is less common.

How does the term "holy war" relate to "jihad"?

"Jihad" is an Islamic term that encompasses a wide range of meanings, including internal spiritual struggle and, in some interpretations, armed struggle to defend Islam. When "jihad" refers to armed struggle, it can be considered a type of "holy war", though the terms are not perfectly interchangeable.