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

With conflicting statements coming out of Washington and Tehran about whether direct talks are even underway, and no clarity on what the next MOU might entail, the oil price roller coaster is in for many more climbs and drops in the weeks ahead. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Employees gain speed initially but lose time validating data, seeking expertise and reconciling conflicting sources before the work is complete. — Lokdeep Singh, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The escalation comes while there is shaky maritime security in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and as Iran and the US give conflicting accounts of whether direct talks to reopen the waterway were taking place. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The latest update from the Bureau of Labor Statistics comes amid conflicting signals about the health of the labor market. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Aug. 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