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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cross fire
Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire.
—
USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024
Their car escaped only because Gal pushed the driver’s head down to avoid being hit by the intense cross fire.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for cross fire
USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024
Their car escaped only because Gal pushed the driver’s head down to avoid being hit by the intense cross fire.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for cross fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross fire
Noun
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The dispute affected educators and policymakers statewide — but Pendleton managed to take the best of both literacy methods and apply them to the 130,000-plus students then enrolled in San Diego schools, Lopez said.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
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And with the network television settlements, the payouts arose after personal legal disputes.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hubert Mazur, Ray Collins and Jocelyne Robledo were also detained at the protests after engaging in physical altercations with federal officers, according to the court documents.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
29 Sep. 2025
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After the pursuit, Reeve appeared to engage in a verbal altercation with the game official.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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However, lovers’ quarrels or difficulty dealing with children (hissy fits or meltdowns) might occur.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
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The outcome of that long-simmering family quarrel is never really in much doubt, but there are still a few neat surprises involving a couple of rare bottles of whiskey and the fate of two family businesses.—
Stephen Farber,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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One quick line, in which an elderly woman recognizes Mark’s sport as one that was threatened with a legal ban, suggests both its controversy and its singularity, but the subject is dropped as casually as it’s mentioned.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In a Fox Business interview, Carr mentioned that the FTC is contemplating broadening its click-to-cancel rulemaking, asserting his disagreement with the previous administration’s approach to establishing the rule.—
Jordan Green,
Nashville Tennessean,
26 Sep. 2025
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Bedtime conversations, small disagreements at the dinner table, or how respect is shown within the family all provide practice in empathy and fairness.—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
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Her presence in Congress would put pressure on Republicans amid the ongoing government funding fight.—
Laura Gersony,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Even if a dissenting perspective isn’t correct or better, dissent brings different views to the fore so that they can be debated, and that improves and sharpens arguments, options and outcomes.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Twin Cities,
26 Sep. 2025
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Be careful of triggering an argument.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Vaquer won a 20-woman battle royal at the Evolution premium live event in July, which guaranteed her a future shot at the Women's World Title.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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The winner of the battle royal will earn a championship match at the upcoming Clash in Paris event.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cross fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20fire. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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