There are various synonyms for the term "war of words" that depict the same meaning, such as verbal battle, verbal jousting, verbal duel, verbal altercation, verbal sparring, exchange of words, verbal conflict, and verbal wrangling. These synonyms indicate a similar situation where two or more parties are involved in a heated argument using spoken words to assert their views. A war of words, or any of its synonymous terms, usually denotes a tense and heated situation with much animosity and disagreement between opposing parties, often with the apparent intention of defeating one another. Overall, these synonyms signify a competitive conversation with the ultimate aim of getting the upper hand in the conversation.