crosscurrent

noun

cross·​cur·​rent ˈkrȯs-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce crosscurrent (audio)
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current running counter to the general forward direction
2
: a conflicting tendency
usually used in plural
political crosscurrents

Examples of crosscurrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
His position reflects his political vulnerabilities and at least one of the crosscurrents at play in bipartisan debt talks. Luke Broadwater, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023 In delaCruz’s view, the series does a good job of capturing the many crosscurrents that inspire volunteers from all backgrounds to give deeply of themselves. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 May 2023 For Shah, the prevailing crosscurrents signal the worst outcome of all. Rob Wile, NBC News, 3 May 2023 Yet another class of Twitter users seemed caught between cultural crosscurrents on Thursday. Avi Selk, Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for crosscurrent 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosscurrent was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near crosscurrent

Cite this Entry

“Crosscurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosscurrent. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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