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Synonyms

crosswise

American  
[kraws-wahyz, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌwaɪz, ˈkrɒs- /

adverb

  1. across; transversely.

  2. contrarily.

  3. Archaic. in the form of a cross.

adjective

  1. forming a cross; transverse.

crosswise British  
/ ˈkrɒsˌweɪz, ˈkrɒsˌwaɪz /

adjective

  1. across; transversely

  2. in the shape of a cross

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of crosswise

1350–1400; Middle English a cross wise in the form of a cross. See a- 1, cross, wise 2

Vocabulary lists containing crosswise

Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 5

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Getting crosswise with public opinion is sometimes enough to constrain a president.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Wash, dry and trim upper tops of okra pads, then cut crosswise into 1/2” pieces.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

When the balloon stretches, the width crosswise shrinks to the size of a string.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024

Thinly slice the roast crosswise and serve the meat and the ribs with the jus on the side.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023

The best way to lose your money is to hold your bag off the shoulder, but this way, with the bag slung crosswise, you were ready for anything.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.