---
id: "reload-retry-conflict"
type: "guide"
title: "Reload, compare, and retry after a revision conflict"
summary: "Recover safely when a stale write is rejected."
why: "The record was not mutated; retry from current state."
audiences: ["developers"]
related: ["record-revisions"]
invariants: ["Do not force overwrite without comparing meaning"]
confirmationRequired: true
---
# Reload, compare, and retry after a revision conflict

Recover safely when a stale write is rejected.

## Why this path

The record was not mutated; retry from current state.

## Invariants

- Do not force overwrite without comparing meaning

## Steps

1. **Reload current revision** — Fresh envelope
2. **Compare intended change to current meaning** — Decision to reapply or escalate
3. **Retry write with new expected revision** — Success or escalate

## Verification

- No silent overwrite of newer fields