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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
-
Then a leak above the family’s apartment opens a giant hole in the ceiling, and water gushes through.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
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And areas where women mostly spent their time, which guests are moved through quickly on regular tours, would claim pride of place.—
Jane Kamensky,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Now draw an imaginary line diagonally through the Dipper's bowl from Dubhe (the upper right star in the bowl) down through Phecda (the lower left star in the bowl) and extend that line downward about twice the distance between those two stars and that will bring you to the vicinity of Cor Caroli.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Fold squares in half diagonally over filling to create triangles.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
Preposition
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Miami philanthropists Trish and Dan Bell, who have given millions to different organizations across South Florida, are longtime supporters of the Foundation and are members of the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving group.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
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There are No Kings rallies scheduled in 1,500 cities across all 50 states, organizers say.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
12 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The days of securing big automatic rate increases with every new cable carriage deal are long over.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
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Week 7 of the Texas high school football season is over.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
Preposition
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If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Following their release, Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.—
Itay Stern,
NPR,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Athwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athwart. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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