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conflict

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conflict contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conflict are contention, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

In what contexts can contention take the place of conflict?

The words contention and conflict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When might discord be a better fit than conflict?

Although the words discord and conflict have much in common, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of conflict?

The synonyms dissension and conflict are sometimes interchangeable, but dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Where would strife be a reasonable alternative to conflict?

In some situations, the words strife and conflict are roughly equivalent. However, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When could variance be used to replace conflict?

While in some cases nearly identical to conflict, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conflict
Noun
Hamas accuses Israel of blackmail Hamas, in a statement, accused Netanyahu of trying to evade the framework of the ceasefire agreement that went into effect Jan. 19 after 15 months of conflict sparked by the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 2 Mar. 2025 The language in a contract, or purchase agreement, such as the one Cox’s customers signed, can leave little recourse for a buyer who has a conflict with a developer. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
His understanding of race is still forming, and at times, he feels conflicted. Sylvia Perry, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2025 State of play: The majority party is advancing high-profile bills on guns and unions that conflict with the Democratic governor's sometimes-conservative values. John Frank, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conflict
Noun
  • There is killing and hatred and strife on every level and spiritual wickedness in high places.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In newer nations, the same process of one group’s trying to establish its dominance has sparked numerous conflicts: the twentieth century offers many examples of such strife in postcolonial countries.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Chicago Fire April 19: Columbus Crew May 10: Minnesota United May 14: San Jose Earthquakes May 24: Philadelphia Union The good news for out-of-Miami Messi fans is that – so far – there are no direct schedule clashes between the Argentina national team schedule and the Herons’ itinerary.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The sun’s clash with Jupiter encourages you to accept a promising career opportunity!
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Security guarantees for Ukraine that are directly tied to the cessation of hostilities can advance all three of these objectives.
    Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • But Israel's military plans for a major offensive in Gaza may reshape the course of the conflict, depending on the outcome of talks and possible further hostilities.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are off the injury report for this game, giving themselves the green light for this rivalry game.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Roxann Johnson, 64, died after her car collided with a semi-truck in Lapeer County, Mich., on Tuesday, March 4, around 7:30 a.m.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The charter buses collided in a construction zone, according to KBMT.
    Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the most dramatic signs of discord can be found on social media.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Commerce, which ought naturally to be, among nations, as among individuals, a bond of union and friendship, has become the most fertile source of discord and animosity’.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Musk’s latest statement marks yet another escalation in the ongoing skirmish.
    Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • As per an incident report obtained by the Miami Herald, multiple guests eventually joined in the skirmish at Manor Complex entertainment complex in Wilton Manors in the early hours of Jan. 26.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Still, one of the main areas of interest is how the president uses the global stage to address the wars abroad, specifically between Russia and Ukraine.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The escalating trade war is likely to result in consumers paying higher prices for a wide range of products, including fruits and vegetables, flat-screen TVs and auto parts.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conflict. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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