conflict of interest
noun phrase
: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Historically, Wall Street frowns on gift-giving between clients and bankers or Wall Street lawyers, particularly high-end gifts that could pose a conflict of interest.
—
Ken Sweet, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The school claims that gifting materials to an entity from which its very own Board of Trustees chair is profiting is not a conflict of interest.
—Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Since 1987, governments around the world have separated the provision and regulation of air traffic control to eliminate the inherent conflict of interest in self-regulation.
—Marc Scribner, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
Egan previously said directors will discuss the upcoming search for a new superintendent and the district’s contract, travel and conflict of interest policies during the meeting, but little of the conversation took place in public.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conflict of interest
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.
Ken Sweet, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The school claims that gifting materials to an entity from which its very own Board of Trustees chair is profiting is not a conflict of interest.
—Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Since 1987, governments around the world have separated the provision and regulation of air traffic control to eliminate the inherent conflict of interest in self-regulation.
—Marc Scribner, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
Egan previously said directors will discuss the upcoming search for a new superintendent and the district’s contract, travel and conflict of interest policies during the meeting, but little of the conversation took place in public.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conflict of interest
Cite this Entry
“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
