SINCE 1828
cross-purpose
noun
cross-pur·pose
| \ ˈkrȯs-ˈpər-pəs
\
\
Definition of cross-purpose
: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else
—usually used in plural the two were always working at cross-purposes
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on cross-purpose
What made you want to look up cross-purpose? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Word Puzzles
-
- Which answer pairs best with each of the following words? living, estate, club, music, road, mile
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Word Puzzles
Challenge yourself with these word puzzles. Can you solve them all?
Take the quiz -
Where in the World? A Quiz
Do you know what languages these words come from?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Citation
Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?
Play the game
Share cross-purpose
Resources for cross-purpose