nuclear weapon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nuclear weapon" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use the sentence: "The fear of nuclear weapons has been a major source of anxiety since the Cold War."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A nuclear weapon?

The New York Times

See also nuclear weapon.

Britannica

This is about nuclear weapon potential.

Independent

"You think about an Iranian nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon.

The Economist

"It's their nuclear weapon," Feldman said.

The New York Times - Sports

They're racing toward a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

"That is your nuclear weapon.

The Guardian - Sport

They're moving faster toward a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

It did not get a nuclear weapon.

The New Yorker

Imagine Saddam Hussein with a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international relations or military strategy, use "nuclear weapon" to maintain a formal and objective tone. Avoid slang or overly dramatic terms.

Common error

Be careful not to use "nuclear weapon" interchangeably with chemical or biological weapons. While all are weapons of mass destruction, "nuclear weapon" specifically refers to those using nuclear reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nuclear weapon" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific type of weapon that utilizes nuclear reactions to generate a powerful explosion, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples in news and encyclopedic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nuclear weapon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase referring to a weapon that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While often used synonymously with "atomic bomb", remember that "nuclear weapon" is a broader term, encompassing both fission and fusion devices. When writing, maintain a formal tone and avoid confusing it with other types of weapons, such as chemical or biological ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atomic bomb

Synonymous term referring to a bomb that uses nuclear fission to create an explosion.

thermonuclear weapon

A type of nuclear weapon that uses fusion to create a more powerful explosion.

fission weapon

A nuclear weapon that derives its explosive energy from nuclear fission.

hydrogen bomb

A thermonuclear weapon that uses isotopes of hydrogen.

weapon of mass destruction

A broader term that includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

strategic weapon

Weapon designed for use against an enemy's homeland or strategic assets.

nuclear arsenal

A country's collection of nuclear weapons.

atomic warfare

Warfare involving the use of atomic weapons.

nuclear capability

The ability to produce nuclear weapons.

the bomb

Informal term referencing a nuclear weapon.

FAQs

How is a "nuclear weapon" different from a conventional bomb?

A "nuclear weapon" releases energy through nuclear reactions (fission or fusion), resulting in a far greater explosive force than conventional bombs, which rely on chemical explosions.

What's the difference between a "nuclear weapon" and an "atomic bomb"?

The terms are often used interchangeably. However, "atomic bomb" generally refers to a fission weapon, while a "nuclear weapon" can encompass both fission and fusion (thermonuclear) devices.

Is it correct to use "nuclear weapon" and "thermonuclear weapon" interchangeably?

While related, they are not precisely the same. A "nuclear weapon" is a broader category. A "thermonuclear weapon", or hydrogen bomb, is a specific type of "nuclear weapon" that uses fusion for a significantly larger explosion.

When should I use the term "weapon of mass destruction" instead of "nuclear weapon"?

"Weapon of mass destruction" is a broader term encompassing nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Use it when referring to the general category, and "nuclear weapon" when specifically discussing weapons that use nuclear reactions.