Nitrodiphenyl(thio) ethers in which the nitro group is in the ortho- or para-position with respect to the ether oxygen or ether sulphur can be prepared from halonitrobenzones in which the nitro group is in the ortho- or para-position with respect to the halogen and, alkali metal (thio)phenolates in liquid ammonia, the reaction being carried out under pressure and at a temperature from -30.degree. C. to +140.degree. C. and the ammonia being separated off after the reaction is completed.