crosscurrent

noun

cross·​cur·​rent ˈkrȯs-ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

1

: a current running counter to the general forward direction

2

: a conflicting tendency

—usually used in plural

political crosscurrents

Examples of crosscurrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Anglers often congregate at Eagle Point Fishing Camp, where the bay’s crosscurrents attract redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026

That potent mix of crosscurrents held us back from buying the dip. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Treading water The final season of Cal Poly swimming unfolded amid crosscurrents. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Two of his House colleagues in New York just lost primaries to progressive challengers, an example of the tough crosscurrents in the Democratic Party. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for crosscurrent

• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• countercurrent
• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• undercurrent
• current