conflicting

1 of 2

adjective

con·​flict·​ing kən-ˈflik-tiŋ 

ˈkän-ˌflik-

: being in conflict, collision, or opposition : incompatible

conflicting theories

conflictingly

kən-ˈflik-tiŋ-lē 

ˈkän-ˌflik-

adverb

conflicting

2 of 2

present participle of conflict entry 2

Synonyms of conflicting

Adjective

• inconsistent

Examples of conflicting in a Sentence

Adjective

conflicting reports from the witnesses at the scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The public also received conflicting information and messaging on whether ammonia, a toxic chemical, was present in the smoke. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The distinction between trucks approved, trucks crossing into Gaza and supplies successfully collected and distributed to civilians has been a persistent source of conflicting claims throughout the war. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Major powers have rushed to shore up access to the countries and relationships with Pacific leaders in return for various sweeteners, creating a web of sometimes conflicting alliances that have reshaped the region. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Americans have conflicting sensibilities about the comparative virtues of investing money and paying down debt. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conflicting

• afflicting
• constricting
• convicting
• depicting
• evicting
• inflicting
• predicting
• restricting
• contradicting