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

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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.
In their letters to GEO Group and federal officials, Lee, Deluzio and Dean called for an overhaul of procedures at Moshannon and reports on a potential conflict of interest involving ICE's acting director David Venturella. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Ellie Goulding is suing her former managers at TaP Management over conflict of interest claims, alleging that the company failed to disclose business ties to Live Nation Entertainment. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026 Later, law enforcement raided the mayor's home, and the Allegheny County Police Department took over the investigation because of a conflict of interest. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Journalists argue this creates a severe conflict of interest and raises critical data security concerns, especially given past assaults on reporters covering immigration enforcement. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conflict of interest

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conflict of interest was in 1860

Rhymes for conflict of interest

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Browse Nearby Words

conflictive
conflict of interest
conflictual
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Cite this Entry

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·​flict of interest
ˈkän-ˌflikt-
1
: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
2
: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
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