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war powers

American  

plural noun

  1. the powers exercised by the president or by Congress during a war or a crisis affecting national security.


Etymology

Origin of war powers

First recorded in 1760–70

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.

Their conversation focuses on constitutional constraints, the role of Congress, and the principles of international law, and emphasizes the need for Congress to reclaim its war powers.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

It was unclear when Congress might take up the war powers measure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Representatives Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are looking to force a vote on a war powers resolution.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

The contrast of this language with the war powers given to Congress and the president is stark and intentional.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

Where in last analysis does the Constitution place the ultimate powers of sovereignty, the war powers?

From Lincoln; An Account of his Personal Life, Especially of its Springs of Action as Revealed and Deepened by the Ordeal of War by Stephenson, Nathaniel W. (Nathaniel Wright)

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