1
as in strife
a lack of agreement or harmony
the conflict between absolute freedom and personal responsibility
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
an armed conflict between strikers and strikebreakers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hostilities
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups
the United Nations strives to prevent international conflicts
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the eternal conflict between the forces of good and evil
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of conflict
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Along those lines, questions have arisen about potential conflicts for Miran taking a leave as head of the Council of Economic Advisers, rather than resigning.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
The story follows five unqualified astronauts chasing wealth on a planet made of diamonds and gold, with greed and conflicting testimonies driving the tension.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conflict
Noun
In an era where global conflict, political division, and cultural anxieties can make life feel like a dystopian, Orwellian novel, art has the power to offer both sharp commentary and joyful escape.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Along those lines, questions have arisen about potential conflicts for Miran taking a leave as head of the Council of Economic Advisers, rather than resigning.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Those who do want to get the shot and thereby reduce risk of severe illness face conflicting recommendations from federal, state and other health officials, plus uncertainty over access and whether insurance will cover the cost.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
The story follows five unqualified astronauts chasing wealth on a planet made of diamonds and gold, with greed and conflicting testimonies driving the tension.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conflict
Noun
-
Does the army have enough political support and military strength to fulfill this mission without risking civil strife?—
Bilal Y. Saab,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
-
As Mary’s family attempts to rally around the Downton heiress, Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) are navigating their way through more financial strife, with those downstairs also left to ponder what the future holds for aristocratic homes like theirs.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The real clash with liberals is not over how big government should be, but over what the state should be empowered to do.—
Allan J. Lichtman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Their violent clash of characters in the Marvel series, which has been a solid performer on Disney+, underpinned the original Netflix action series.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The message refers to the conflict in Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
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Children bear the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks, and are affected by the disregard for ceasefires and peace agreements.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Those games include matchups versus the NFC North, AFC North divisional rivalry games versus the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers as well as a late season road showdown against the Buffalo Bills.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Studio beat The Bear for the most wins for a comedy series in a single year, while The Pitt reigned supreme in its rivalry with Severance and Britt Lower pulled an upset in Lead Actress in a Drama over Kathy Bates.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
What happens when the new story of Britain collides with an older one?—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Footage released by the Philippine government shows a Chinese coast guard cutter colliding with a People's Liberation Army Navy destroyer after being outmaneuvered by a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Brunson agreed that much of the discord has unfolded over just the last six months.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Kirk was one of the slate of Republicans who called for more transparency around the Jeffrey Epstein files in a rare moment of discord within the party.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Regions of Africa and Southern Asia are embroiled in deadly and underreported skirmishes, and areas of Mexico and Haiti are torn by gang violence akin to civil war.—
Daniella Walsh,
Oc Register,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Delhi sees Beijing as its biggest threat, particularly since some border skirmishes that began in 2020.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Washington was happy to let Moscow broker the peace deal that ended the 44-day war, deploying peacekeepers to implement the lopsided terms.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Sep. 2025
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That atmosphere makes Europe far more cautious over a trade war with China, or even with India.—
Laura Kelly,
The Hill,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conflict. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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