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

But with the White House poised to nominate a new chair next year, and with Miran’s unusual dual role spotlighting the political crosscurrents, Zandi warned the institution’s independence could soon be tested. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 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

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