nuclear option
Britishnoun
-
the use of or power to use nuclear weapons
-
the use of or power to use a measure considered to be particularly drastic
the nuclear option of a confidence vote
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.
It’s a nuclear option, a move without precedent at Volkswagen or the broader German corporate scene, where for years stakeholder capitalism has meant that decisions are driven by consensus among workers, regulators and shareholders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
It could even reach for a nuclear option: abolishing the draft altogether, and making incoming rookies free agents.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026
"I never would have expected they would hit the nuclear option of firing so many of us in one go. It does highlight the need for unions."
From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2025
“This weapon is kind of the nuclear option because its consequences are so severe,” he says.
From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2025
There’s the nuclear option: the singles table in the restaurant.
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2025
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
