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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

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.

See Examples For:

As unpleasant as it sounds to have someone spend millions attacking your character and candidacy, it seems to be pretty good politics to get crosswise with A.I.

From Slate Jun. 2, 2026

This wisdom, variously attributed to Napoleon and others, Mr. Trump has gotten crosswise with.

From The Wall Street Journal May 1, 2026

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

From Science Daily Apr. 17, 2024

Once you’ve cooked all the egg mixture, roll the stacked omelets into a log, and slice them crosswise into very thin ribbonlike strands.

From Seattle Times Feb. 21, 2023

And long after Becky and Dara Lynn goes inside, I lay out there on my back in the grass, not caring about the dew, Shiloh against me crosswise, his paws on my chest.

From "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

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