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Synonyms

conflicting

American  
[kuhn-flik-ting] / kənˈflɪk tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. being in conflict or disagreement; not compatible.

    conflicting viewpoints.


conflicting British  
/ kənˈflɪktɪŋ /

adjective

  1. clashing; contradictory

    conflicting rumours

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of conflicting

First recorded in 1600–10; conflict + -ing 2

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing conflicting

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.

There have been conflicting media reports about whether they were alone or if other family members were present.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

As for whether it matters, history offers conflicting results.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 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

His absence dominates the Christmas dinner scene in “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” as conflicting views are expressed by the guests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

They did not advocate the free confrontation of conflicting points of view.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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