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

New signs are emerging that the controversial Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Florida Everglades may soon shut down, despite conflicting messages from state officials in recent weeks. —Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Oil prices fell on the news of progress, but uncertainty over the status of the Strait of Hormuz — Iran and the US gave conflicting accounts over whether the key waterway was open over the weekend — may have slowed traffic again, The New York Times reported. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 22 June 2026

Feelings are mixed and sometimes conflicting. —Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Shipping companies remain cautious about sending their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid conflicting signals about the agreement between the US and Iran and the presence of dozens of mines. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 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