conflicting

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

Synonyms of conflicting

• inconsistent

Examples of conflicting in a Sentence

conflicting reports from the witnesses at the scene

Recent Examples on the Web

This raises the possibility that there could be conflicting decisions from two federal appellate courts. — Lucinda M. Finley, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

But a series of conflicting messages has left many Americans unsure about what’s actually safe to eat. — Allie Canal, NBC news, 24 July 2026

Loneliness in single older people is real, and conflicting reports about which gender is more susceptible tell me nothing. — Nancy Glowinski, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

For Peverill Squire, a retired University of Missouri political science professor, those conflicting arguments illustrate the idea that the preferred outcome of a modern political campaign is more important than being ideologically consistent. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conflicting

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