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

After going back and forth over conflicting schedules, the parties arrived at March 2 for oral arguments on outstanding issues — including for the bifurcated trial — and April 10 for a mental evaluation to be conducted by an expert chosen by prosecutors. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026

Thought to have died in Roman times, the scientific analyses have never failed to return with conflicting dates. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

Inside, security were giving out conflicting instructions. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026

Antigovernment demonstrations intensify in Iran as mourners hold 40-day memorial ceremonies, while international observers report conflicting death tolls and warn of death sentences for detainees. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 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