as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
viewers tune in to witness the weekly cross fire between the liberal and conservative commentators
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of cross fire
The consequence is that others are caught in the great-power cross fire or will seek to start fires of their own.
—
Paul Poast, The Atlantic, 17 Nov. 2023
But most DDoS attacks were less principled: the constant AK-47 cross fire of the cybercriminal internet’s internecine wars and vandalism.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023
Thousands of wealthy Arabs left in anticipation of war, thousands more responded to Arab leaders’ call to get out of the way of the advancing armies, a handful were expelled, but most simply fled to avoid being caught in the cross fire of battle.
—Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 15 May 2023
For two months they were trapped in their house, without electricity, windows shattered, caught in the cross fire of constant shelling.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cross fire
Paul Poast, The Atlantic, 17 Nov. 2023
But most DDoS attacks were less principled: the constant AK-47 cross fire of the cybercriminal internet’s internecine wars and vandalism.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023
Thousands of wealthy Arabs left in anticipation of war, thousands more responded to Arab leaders’ call to get out of the way of the advancing armies, a handful were expelled, but most simply fled to avoid being caught in the cross fire of battle.
—Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 15 May 2023
For two months they were trapped in their house, without electricity, windows shattered, caught in the cross fire of constant shelling.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cross fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross fire
Noun
-
This was certainly the case with the H-1B visa dispute.—
Tevi Troy,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Obviously, his status and the outcome of his most recent contract dispute with the team could affect what the Rams do in the draft, for any number of reasons.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the two shell casings that were recovered from the scene by Relli and turned in to police two days after the altercation had no fingerprints.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
-
His family has requested the body cam footage of the altercation, but has not been able to view it.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The public quarrel between Trump and Zelenskyy began after Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties.—
ILLIA NOVIKOV,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The public quarrel between New Zealand and Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — was a victory for Beijing’s efforts to woo Pacific leaders and a blow to Western countries’ efforts to counter China’s sway, analysts said.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The message blip, which was replicated several times by The New York Times, provoked controversy after appearing in a viral TikTok post, raising questions about Apple’s artificial intelligence capabilities.—
Tripp Mickle,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
-
His resignation also comes amid controversy over Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency reportedly seeking access to taxpayer data.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Beyond being able to view things rationally, cognitive reappraisal also offers you and your partner the time to cool off when a disagreement becomes heated.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The governor compared the current Albany/City Hall conflict to the 1970s disagreement between Gov. Hugh Carey and Mayor Abe Beame on how to best handle financial woes which had brought down New York City.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC News,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their responses indicate a lengthy fight to come over the budget resolution.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
-
His childhood was turbulent—his parents' frequent fights sometimes turned physical, with his father directing his frustrations at young Gene.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The argument against keeping Dalton The Panthers are projected to have roughly $20 million in salary cap space this offseason, according to Over The Cap.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The resulting argument doesn’t end well for Marcus.—
Frank Scheck,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Then, to complete the drama, the big grizzly had caught the two intruders and slaughtered them in a battle royal.—
Tom Stacer,
Outdoor Life,
20 Feb. 2025
-
After all, who doesn't love a giant in a battle royal?—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cross fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20fire. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share