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Showing results for "conflicting"
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.

See Examples For:

Today, consumers and companies face a patchwork of state programs and conflicting labeling requirements.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

The contrasting results could help explain why earlier studies examining the brains of people with depression have sometimes reached conflicting conclusions.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 9, 2026

"Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

The uncertain status of TPS has led to sometime conflicting actions by government agencies or employers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

Four conflicting theories, each of them popular in some countries and unpopular in others, have been proposed.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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