CONFLICT Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

conflict 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌflikt

Definition of conflict next

as in strife

a lack of agreement or harmony the conflict between absolute freedom and personal responsibility

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Relevance

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as in clash

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups an armed conflict between strikers and strikebreakers

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truce

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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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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conflict

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verb

kən-ˈflikt

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

The conflict began when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and took roughly 250 hostages into Gaza. —

Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 The aftermath of any war is messy and comes with obligations that extend far past the conflict itself. —

Patricia Lopez, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

The Trump order is likely to conflict with New York state and city education guidance, which allow students to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity. —

Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025 The research is conflicting, but most evidence points to late morning as the best time for that kind of problem solving, Rutledge said. —

Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conflict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conflict

Noun

This very Bronx tale of teenage pregnancy and inner-city strife can seem familiar in terms of content, but never in terms of form.

— Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
No American politician for 50 years has thrived more on strife and division than Trump.

— David Mastio, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025