warmonger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "warmonger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or entity that promotes or advocates for war or conflict, often for personal gain or political reasons. Example: "The politician was labeled a warmonger for his aggressive stance on foreign policy and his push for military intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of all the labels flung at Murphy – warmonger; pro-Israel; anti-grants, from his controversial tenure as NUS president – Blairite is the most enduring.

The Guardian

On the face of it, he sounds like a warmonger.

The Economist

Nationalist protestors called Mr Murphy a traitor and a warmonger.

The Economist

Many people fear that he is a warmonger at worst, at best a prickly individual with neoconservative tendencies who will do little to mend fences with the world.

The Economist

During the Bosnian war, he was able to turn himself from warmonger to indispensable peace-broker, a transformation that western governments readily accepted.

The Economist

Looking particularly at his doubts and delays in preparing for war and then declaring it, you might think you are seeing a more cautious figure than the intemperate warmonger sometimes portrayed, and thus a leader who might have been won over.

The Economist

In research published in the Journal of Public Economics, the authors find evidence that smokers are driving farther to places where smoking in bars is allowed.In this section Time to turn out the lights Primary colour Warrior or warmonger?

The Economist

Mr Obama has argued that his "baggage" could be stored in an overhead locker whereas Mrs Clinton's would fill an entire plane.In this section Time to turn out the lights Primary colour Warrior or warmonger?

The Economist

In many Democratic eyes, she is a warmonger at worst, and naive at best neither quality being desirable in a chief executive.And the race could get dirty.

The Economist

Since he did not start the war, no one accuses him of being a warmonger.

The Economist

The Radical Party, led by populist warmonger Oleh Lyashko, finished with just 6%, after expecting to come in second.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "warmonger" when you want to strongly criticize someone for promoting war or conflict, conveying a negative and accusatory tone.

Common error

Avoid using "warmonger" lightly or without sufficient evidence. The term carries a heavy connotation and should only be applied when there is clear and demonstrable advocacy for war.

Linguistic Context

The word "warmonger" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an individual who advocates for or attempts to incite war. As Ludwig highlights, it carries a negative connotation. It can also function as a verb, though less frequently, meaning to advocate war.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academic

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "warmonger" is a noun used to describe someone who advocates for war, carrying a strong negative connotation. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. Usage indicates a critical or condemnatory purpose, typically in a neutral register. Related terms include "bellicist" and "war hawk". The term is most authoritative when used in well-sourced reporting and analysis, while misuse often stems from misattributing the label without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warmongering politician

Specifically refers to a politician who promotes war.

bellicist

Formal term for someone who advocates for war.

pro-war advocate

Directly states support for war.

militarist

Emphasizes belief in maintaining a strong military force and readiness for war.

hawkish leader

Implies aggressive tendencies in leadership.

war hawk

Informal term for someone who favors war or aggressive action.

conflict instigator

Emphasizes the role of starting conflicts.

interventionist

Focuses on the advocacy of intervening in other countries' affairs, often militarily.

jingoist

Highlights extreme patriotism and aggressive foreign policy.

aggressive expansionist

Focuses on expanding territory through aggression.

FAQs

How is "warmonger" typically used in a sentence?

The word "warmonger" is typically used as a noun to describe someone who advocates for war or aggression. For example, "The politician was labeled a "warmonger" for his aggressive foreign policy."

What are some alternatives to calling someone a "warmonger"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "war hawk", "militarist", or "bellicist". Each term carries slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it accurate to describe someone as a "warmonger" simply because they support a strong military?

Not necessarily. Being a "warmonger" implies actively promoting or inciting war, not merely supporting a strong military for defensive purposes. A "militarist" might advocate for a strong military, but that doesn't automatically make them a "warmonger".

Can "warmonger" be used in a positive or neutral way?

No, the term "warmonger" almost always carries a negative connotation. It is used to criticize or condemn someone for their perceived enthusiasm for war.