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Synonyms

flame war

American  

noun

  1. Computer Slang. a series of angry, critical, or disparaging comments exchanged by two or more people in an ongoing online argument.


Etymology

Origin of flame war

First recorded in 1985–90

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.

The controversy resulting from the Instagram posts started off like any other social media flame war.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2019

Just as important: Okja is a masterpiece that could draw a flame war, and has.

From The Verge • Jun. 26, 2017

On some corners of the Internet, it's a full-on flame war.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2017

That’s the kicker of the latest editorial cartoon by First Dog on the Moon for the Guardian, which satirizes the flame war between Pope Francis and Donald Trump.

From The Guardian • Feb. 19, 2016

Some subthreads will actually be in response to some off-the-cuff side comment, possibly degenerating into a flame war, or just as often evolving into a separate discussion.

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Steele, Guy L.

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