athwart 1 of 2

Definition of athwartnext
1
as in through
from one side to the other of an intervening space after it enters the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane is predicted to advance athwart to the Texas coastline

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Relevance
2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

athwart

2 of 2

preposition

as in across
to the opposite side of athwart the road was farmland as far as the eye could see

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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 athwart
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
  • Cook, stirring often and breaking up meat, until beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Wheeler read the poems slowly, twice through, then turned to Christine.
    Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • From bay to headlands, the Crosstown Trail slices diagonally across San Francisco in a 17-mile arc.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • In the footage, Victoria steps out diagonally opposite of Brooklyn, her back slightly turned toward him.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • As the internet blackout in Iran appears to be easing after weeks of protests across the country, the scale of the Islamic Republic regime’s bloodiest crackdown in decades is now being made public, according to activist groups.
    Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The strikes come as Kaiser raises costs for patients and health providers across California brace for tighter margins following cuts to federal health spending.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Barring a miracle, their season is over, and the real question is what management and ownership will do in response.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • After the final pickup is over, the same crews and equipment will be collecting bulky waste through household junk pickups which can be scheduled February through October by contacting City Customer Service at 311 or 916-808-5011 or making an online service request.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado January 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • The demonstrations come amid concern among local activists that ICE could increase its presence around Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and the surrounding area during Super Bowl week.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • But a little before that, photographer Poupay Jutharat was on the ground at the Javits Center, sniffing around as the pups prepped, primped, and occasionally napped before go-time.
    Poupay Jutharat, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Athwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athwart. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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