conflicting

adjective

con·​flict·​ing kən-ˈflik-tiŋ 

: being in conflict, collision, or opposition : incompatible

conflicting theories

conflictingly

kən-ˈflik-tiŋ-lē 

-ˌflik-

adverb

Synonyms

• clashing
• disagreeing
• discordant
• discrepant
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsistent
• inconsonant
• inharmonious
• mutually exclusive
• repugnant

Examples of conflicting in a Sentence

conflicting reports from the witnesses at the scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Many agencies, meanwhile, told their workforces not to respond or issued conflicting guidance. —Chris Megerian, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025

The heads of government agencies also gave conflicting guidance on whether to follow Musk's order. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025

Complex regulatory frameworks and inconsistent enforcement in some regions, such as certain U.S. states with conflicting federal laws, highlighted the need for clear, standardized guidelines to support a thriving legal market. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025

Amid conflicting accounts on whether the takeover created Camelot or chaos, Ms. Bowles wanted to report on merchants suing the city for withdrawing police and fire protection from the neighborhood. —Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2025

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