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

The president and his Cabinet members are giving conflicting statements about the impact of the war on gas prices as Americans grow more anxious about the economic toll that the conflict is taking. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026

Andrew Lee, the founder of Tasklet, told CBS News that such problems can arise when a user prompt gives the AI conflicting instructions. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Officials, however, have offered conflicting messages on how bad that devastation has been. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026

If the two top courts issue conflicting rulings, those seeking citizenship could be forced to sue the government for recognition rather than going the traditional route of applying through consulates. —Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 16 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