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as in diagonally
in a line or direction running from corner to corner
we hung the twisted strips of crepe paper athwart to the floor and ceiling so that they formed giant crosses on all four walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of athwart
John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022
One of the world’s largest container ships was wedged athwart the Suez Canal on March 23rd, blown off course by high winds.
—The Economist, 27 Mar. 2021
The outgoing Trump administration is standing athwart a massive investment management trend.
—Michael Taylor, ExpressNews.com, 2 Dec. 2020
Her mother, feeling abandoned by her constantly traveling husband, had affairs; her father’s heartfelt liberalism would run athwart of the postwar Red Scare.
—Elsa Dixler, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Apr. 2020
Preposition
An obstructionist Supreme Court, however, stood athwart the New Deal’s path.
—John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022
One of the world’s largest container ships was wedged athwart the Suez Canal on March 23rd, blown off course by high winds.
—The Economist, 27 Mar. 2021
The outgoing Trump administration is standing athwart a massive investment management trend.
—Michael Taylor, ExpressNews.com, 2 Dec. 2020
Her mother, feeling abandoned by her constantly traveling husband, had affairs; her father’s heartfelt liberalism would run athwart of the postwar Red Scare.
—Elsa Dixler, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for athwart
Adverb
-
As a result of the war, Iran has sharply curtailed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping lane where one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through.—
Danielle Kurtzleben,
NPR,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Seawater is forced at high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass through while blocking most salts and other impurities.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
In chess, which has a far smaller grid, a rook can move only horizontally and a bishop only diagonally, but Go pieces can be placed on any open space.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
30 Mar. 2026
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Rose Byrne stunned in a strapless black mermaid Dior gown that featured delicate embroidered floral appliqués with shimmering beadwork running diagonally across the bodice and down the skirt, which flowed into a train.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
15 Mar. 2026
Preposition
-
In the clip, shared by @whit_fashionfinds, footage from inside her living room shows her teen on hands and knees pushing clutter across the floor and underneath the couch.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Last November, hundreds of Haitian fans made the trip across the Caribbean Sea for the national team’s biggest game in half a century.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
After Party Modelo After Party Festivities aren’t over after the final whistle!—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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Trailing 9-0 after three innings prevented anything that happened in Scottsdale or Toronto from transferring over.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Preposition
-
Standing there as the fire roared on and the crowd around her grew, the strong community support was already apparent.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Two elegant lounges around the main reception hold deep velvet sofas, and the décor is all original or recreated oak panelling, intricate cornicing, 19th century fireplaces and granite flagstones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Athwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athwart. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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