1
as in strife
a lack of agreement or harmony
the conflict between absolute freedom and personal responsibility
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
an armed conflict between strikers and strikebreakers
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3
as in hostilities
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups
the United Nations strives to prevent international conflicts
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the eternal conflict between the forces of good and evil
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to clash
to be out of harmony or agreement usually noticeably
his statement conflicts with the facts, as given in the police report
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of conflict
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Such a conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, involve international powers, and deepen regional instability.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Veena Jetti, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
There are conflicting accounts about how exactly CoComelon‘s move to Disney came about.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for conflict
Noun
The discovery of three huge, unexploded bombs dropped by the U.S. airforce during the conflict led to 20,500 people being moved out of the blast radius to safety as bomb disposal experts dove in.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Such a conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, involve international powers, and deepen regional instability.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
The demands of a career in real estate often require long hours, frequent travel and high levels of commitment, which can conflict with family obligations such as childcare or eldercare.
—Veena Jetti, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
There are conflicting accounts about how exactly CoComelon‘s move to Disney came about.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for conflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conflict
Noun
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Even at centers where funds appear to have led to considerable research output, internal strife calls into question the validity of their work.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
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Arvind and Fashion for Good are holding onto the hope that despite the economic tumult caused by geopolitical strife and exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s whipsawing tariffs, brands remain committed to their climate targets despite the high investment costs and the less tangible payback.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
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This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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These meetings initially took place virtually and then in person across different capitals, seeking a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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But Putin had other ideas, tying a halt in hostilities to the West readmitting certain Russian banks into the West’s financial network.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Rivals follows the rivalry between an old money MP, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), who clash over control of a fictional independent TV station in the 1980s.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
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According to a report from TMZ Sports, the on-screen rivalry has become deeply personal.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Verb
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That’s where, just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, police say Mikey’s bike collided with a pickup truck.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2025
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In 2001, a U.S. intelligence plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided near China, killing a Chinese pilot.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Many more are disturbed by the politicization of churches and turned off by dogmas that promote hate and discord, finding religious teachings and traditions to be outdated and incompatible with their values.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
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Indeed, such strife and discord have been the rule, not the exception.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Noun
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One skirmish involved the arrest of a union leader, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, who said he was injured and detained by ICE.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
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Alongside Israeli military drills, stalled diplomatic talks, and proxy skirmishes, these hostile warnings signal a dangerous escalation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Israel's government said he was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed early in the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
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The intention isn’t to incite a turf war with your daughter-in-law’s parents.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conflict. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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