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

Over the past 48 hours, officials involved in negotiations gave conflicting statements about whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

Despite the unanswered questions and conflicting comments throughout the afternoon, markets had an overwhelmingly positive response to the news. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026

Amid a steady cadence of conflicting signals on that front in the first few months of 2026, one of the biggest drumbeats was a report released in early March by the AI giant Anthropic. —Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026

Trump has issued conflicting and confusing statements about possible talks as the war drags, including extending deadlines for a deal, which might lead Iran to discount his dire new threats. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 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