conflict
0 antonyms and opposites of conflict, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A serious disagreement or clash, especially a prolonged one.
How to use conflict
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin cōnflīctus, "a striking together" — from conflīgō ("to strike together").
Full origin of conflict →Frequently asked questions
What does “conflict” mean?
The word “conflict” means a serious disagreement or clash, especially a prolonged one. In plain terms, a clash — whether it's a war, an argument, or two things that can't both be true or happen at once.
How do you pronounce “conflict”?
“Conflict” is pronounced KON-flihkt (/ˈkɑn.flɪkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “conflict” in a sentence?
Here is “conflict” used in a sentence: “The conflict between the two nations lasted for decades.”
What part of speech is “conflict”?
Depending on how it is used, “conflict” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “conflict” come from?
The word “conflict” comes from Latin. From Latin cōnflīctus, "a striking together" — from conflīgō ("to strike together").
Is “conflict” a common word?
“Conflict” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “conflict” have?
“Conflict” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a serious disagreement or clash, especially a prolonged one.
What are the types of conflict?
Conflict is often split into internal, within one person, and external, between people or groups. In storytelling, common types include character versus character, character versus society, character versus nature, and character versus self. In workplaces, it ranges from personality clashes to disputes over goals, resources, or direction.
Is conflict always bad?
Not necessarily. While conflict causes stress and can damage relationships, handled well it can surface hidden problems, spark better ideas, and lead to stronger agreements. The outcome depends on how people respond — whether they attack each other or work through the disagreement. Avoiding all conflict can let issues quietly fester.
What is the difference between conflict and war?
Conflict is the broad term for any serious clash — between people, groups, or nations — and can be verbal, political, or emotional. War is one extreme form: an armed, organised conflict between states or large groups. All wars are conflicts, but the vast majority of conflicts never involve fighting.
How can conflict be resolved?
Common approaches include open communication, listening to understand each side, finding common ground, and compromising. In formal settings, mediation or negotiation brings in a neutral third party. The goal is usually a solution both sides can accept, rather than one side winning outright, which tends to leave resentment behind.