conflicting
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of conflicting
Explanation
Feeling at odds? In total disagreement? Then you're probably dealing with something conflicting. The adjective conflicting is rooted in the word conflict for a reason: When things are conflicting they're in conflict, disagreeing or contradicting each other. Conflicting reports or theories go against each other. Sometimes people get conflicting emotions when they're torn over a really hard decision. And conflicting personalities? They're completely incompatible.
Vocabulary lists containing conflicting
Dear Martin
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Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address (1801)
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Module 2: Vocabulary Video Words
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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 misconduct panel heard evidence of "confused and conflicting guidelines" over whether Met officers could use their phones for work.
From BBC • May 3, 2026
The most extensive assessment of evidence is reserved for Level 7 decisions, involving high stakes and unclear or conflicting evidence.
From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026
Law enforcement and media leaders offered conflicting guidance.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026
Counting the number of rogue vessels that may have skirted the blockade is difficult, due to the conflicting definitions and other factors.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
The source of the disagreement goes much deeper, however, involving conflicting attitudes toward government itself, competing versions of citizenship, differing postures toward the twin goals of freedom and equality.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
