conflicting
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- conflictingly adverb
- nonconflicting adjective
- unconflicting adjective
- unconflictingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of conflicting
Explanation
Feeling at odds? In total disagreement? Then you're probably dealing with something conflicting. The adjective conflicting is rooted in the word conflict for a reason: When things are conflicting they're in conflict, disagreeing or contradicting each other. Conflicting reports or theories go against each other. Sometimes people get conflicting emotions when they're torn over a really hard decision. And conflicting personalities? They're completely incompatible.
Vocabulary lists containing conflicting
Dear Martin
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address (1801)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Module 2: Vocabulary Video Words
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In statements to investigators, Bovino and Epperson had offered conflicting accounts of the encounter.
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026
There are conflicting reports of the number of casualties as a result of the strike on the market.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
"With this comprehensive picture, we are finally able to reconcile many previously conflicting observations about lead-halide perovskites, resolving a long-standing debate about the source of their superior energy-harvesting efficiency," says Rak.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
The statements stirred a flurry of conflicting instructions from Iranian state-affiliated broadcasters.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
As Islam spread, zero diffused throughout the Muslim-controlled world, everywhere conflicting with Aristotle’s doctrine.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.