What does "conflict" mean?
A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals.
Conflict
/ˈkɑn.flɪkt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals.
- Grammar: conflict is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: battle, dispute, fight, struggle.
- Useful contrasts: calm waters, concerted, effective interpersonal interaction.
- Usage evidence: Your behavior is in conflict with your principles.
How to use "conflict"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "conflict" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "conflict" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "conflict" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "conflict" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "conflict" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "battle" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "conflict", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals. countable, uncountable
"The conflict between the government and the rebels began three years ago."
- 2 a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war wordnet
- 3 An incompatibility, as of two things that cannot be simultaneously fulfilled. countable, uncountable
"I wanted to attend the meeting but there's a conflict in my schedule that day."
- 4 an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals) wordnet
- 5 an incompatibility of dates or events wordnet
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 a disagreement or argument about something important wordnet
- 7 opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings wordnet
- 8 opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot) wordnet
- 9 a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests wordnet
Verb
- 1 To be at odds (with); to disagree or be incompatible intransitive
"[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."
- 2 go against, as of rules and laws wordnet
- 3 To overlap (with), as in a schedule. intransitive
"Your conference call conflicts with my older one: please reschedule."
- 4 be in conflict wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Your behavior is in conflict with your principles."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "conflict"?
Common synonyms include: battle, dispute, fight, struggle, action, aerial combat.
How do you use "conflict" in a sentence?
Your behavior is in conflict with your principles.
How do you pronounce "conflict"?
Pronounced /ˈkɑn.flɪkt/.
Etymology
From Latin conflictus, past participle of confligere (“to strike together”), from com- (“together”) (a form of con-) + fligere (“to strike”).