Conflict – Synonyms

10.03.2023 3min Synonyms
Updated on 02.13.2025

Conflict-synonyms-01

“Conflict” can refer to a state of being in disagreement with something or someone. It can also indicate a hostile fight or a competitive relationship, where one entity has an adverse impact on another. When used as a verb, it means that something does not agree or clash. Another word for “conflict” is struggle. In this article, you will find more synonyms of the word “conflict” with their various meanings.

Find suitable synonyms for your academic writing

On our overview page for synonyms, you can find the best options of synonyms for a vast variety of words that are used in academic writing.

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“Conflict” – General synonyms

The term “conflict” is generally used to describe a situation where two or more parties have incompatible goals, interests, or actions. Depending on the context, there are several synonyms or related terms that can be used to describe “conflict.” The following illustrates other words for “conflict” that may be used in everyday conversation as well as in academic writing.

“Conflict” – Synonyms in the sense of strife

Synonyms of the word “conflict” in the sense of strife, meaning to have an opposing position to someone or something, are:

  • Argument
  • Collision
  • Debate
  • Discord
  • Disharmony
  • Dispute
  • Dissension
  • Disunity
  • Divide
  • Friction
  • Inharmony
  • Strife
  • War
  • Warfare

“Conflict” – Synonyms in the sense of hostility

Synonyms of the word “conflict” in the sense of hostility, meaning to be in a fight with someone, are:

  • Altercation
  • Battle
  • Combat
  • Conflagration
  • Contest
  • Hostilities
  • Quarrel
  • Scuffle
  • Struggle
  • Tiff

“Conflict“ –  Synonyms in the sense of rivalry

“Conflict” can be understood in different contexts, and when considered in the sense of rivalry, it implies competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Here are some synonyms or related terms that encapsulate “conflict” within this narrower scope:

  • Clash
  • Collision
  • Competition
  • Contest
  • Debate
  • Duel
  • Face-off
  • Match
  • Rivalry
  • Row
  • Wrangle

“Conflict“ – Synonyms in the sense of to clash

Synonyms of the word “conflict” in the sense of to clash, meaning to oppose something or someone in opinion, nature, or belief, are:

  • To clash
  • To collide
  • To combat
  • To disagree
  • To fight
  • To gall
  • To grate
  • To jar
  • To oppose

“Conflict” – Synonyms used in academic writing

In an academic context, the word “conflict” is largely used to describe a problematic situation or relation to something or someone. Synonyms for “Conflict” used in academic writing will be shown below.

Are you looking for suitable synonyms for “Conflict” for your academic paper? Take a look at the table below with the top suggestions from our BachelorPrint-Team.

“Conflict” Synonyms
Argument The conflicts made it impossible for Turkey to join the EU.
The arguments made it impossible for Turkey to join the EU.
Hostility The conflicts between Israel and Palestine resulted in the loss of numerous lives.
The hostility between Israel and Palestine resulted in the loss of numerous lives.
Collision Religion and science have always been in conflicts.
Religion and science have always been in collision.
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By
Leo Neumann
 
About the author

Leo has completed a dual bachelor’s degree program in marketing management. During their studies, they gained practical experience and regularly wrote academic papers. Thanks to his expertise, he is a perfect fit for the BachelorPrint team, which places great emphasis on high-quality content and aims to help students navigate the demands of their academic lives. As a recent graduate, Leo understands the challenges students face and knows what kind of support they need.

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Bibliography
Neumann, L. (2023, October 03). Conflict – Synonyms. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved 09.11.2026)
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann , 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo. 2023. "Conflict – Synonyms." BachelorPrint, Retrieved September 11, 2026. https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/.
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann 2023)
Bibliography
Leo Neumann, "Conflict – Synonyms," BachelorPrint, October 03, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved September 11, 2026).
Footnotes
Short note
Neumann, "Shortened title."
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo: Conflict – Synonyms, in: BachelorPrint, 10.03.2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved 09.11.2026).
Footnotes
Full note
Neumann, Leo: Conflict – Synonyms, in: BachelorPrint, 10.03.2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved 09.11.2026).
Direct quote
Neumann, 2023.
Indirect quote
Neumann, 2023.
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo (2023): Conflict – Synonyms, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved 09.11.2026).
In-text citation
Direct quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo. "Conflict – Synonyms." BachelorPrint, 10.03.2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/ (retrieved 09.11.2026).
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann)
Narrative
Neumann
Bibliography
Number. Neumann L. Conflict – Synonyms [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 09.11.2026]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/synonyms/conflict-synonyms/


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