Meaning

A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals..

Definitions by Sense

1. A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals.
2. An incompatibility, as of two things that cannot be simultaneously fulfilled.
3. (intransitive) To be at odds (with); to disagree or be incompatible
4. (intransitive) To overlap (with), as in a schedule.

Example Sentences

The conflict between the government and the rebels began three years ago.

One particularly damaging, but often ignored, effect of conflict on education is the proliferation of attacks on schools[…]as children, teachers or school buildings become the targets of attacks. Parents fear sending their children to school. Girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.

I wanted to attend the meeting but there's a conflict in my schedule that day.

[T. E.] Lawrence said that in the end he felt himself to be fighting not for the imperial British but for the rebellious Arabs. All too often he conflicted with British bureaucratic fustiness.

Your conference call conflicts with my older one: please reschedule.

It appears that our schedules conflict.

Word Forms

• conflicts
• conflicting
• conflicted

Synonyms for conflict

Related Words

When Should You Use Conflict?

Use conflict when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions