crosscurrent

noun

cross·​cur·​rent ˈkrȯs-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce crosscurrent (audio)
-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
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Similar crosscurrents produced a 4-4-1 deadlock at the Bank of England earlier this month, as four policymakers voted to keep rates steady, four voted to cut by a quarter point, and one voted to cut by a half point. Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025 In Conclusion Of course, political crosscurrents remain. John Buckingham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Overall, the survey of 1,000 people nationwide conducted July 29-Aug 3 showed a series of conflicting political and economic crosscurrents, with individuals and demographic groups offering sometimes contradictory opinions. Steve Liesman, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025 His position reflects his political vulnerabilities and at least one of the crosscurrents at play in bipartisan debt talks. Luke Broadwater, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for crosscurrent

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosscurrent was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Crosscurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosscurrent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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