athwart 1 of 2

Definition of athwartnext
1
as in through
from one side to the other of an intervening space after it enters the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane is predicted to advance athwart to the Texas coastline

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2
as in diagonally
in a line or direction running from corner to corner we hung the twisted strips of crepe paper athwart to the floor and ceiling so that they formed giant crosses on all four walls

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in across
to the opposite side of athwart the road was farmland as far as the eye could see

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of athwart
Preposition
An obstructionist Supreme Court, however, stood athwart the New Deal’s path. — John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022 One of the world’s largest container ships was wedged athwart the Suez Canal on March 23rd, blown off course by high winds. — The Economist, 27 Mar. 2021 Her mother, feeling abandoned by her constantly traveling husband, had affairs; her father’s heartfelt liberalism would run athwart of the postwar Red Scare. — Elsa Dixler, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for athwart
Adverb
  • Cut Week will mark the biggest elimination in The Voice history, when each coach will send two singers straight through to Live Shows as five more contestants battle for one remaining spot on each team.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The donor layer absorbed visible light, while the transparent acceptor layer allowed sunlight to pass through.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve with ramekins of warm gravy for dipping.
    — Cate Huguelet, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In van Gogh’s painting, the moon is positioned in the top right corner, diagonally above Venus, which is center left, with other stars positioned left of the moon.
    — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Preposition
  • These functions are intended to make the technology easier to operate across changing sailing conditions, while reducing the energy required to generate the bubbles.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Leading the team in tackles with seven, Williams’ impact was felt in all four quarters, as his three tackles for loss puts him at 14 for the season, extending his lead across the entire NFL.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • And over there—the six sky-piercing minarets of the 400-year-old Blue Mosque.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Another big game has Fort Worth Carter-Riverside (6-3, 3-3) traveling over to Scarborough-Handley Field to take on Fort Worth Southwest (4-5, 3-3) for the final playoff berth in the district.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Preposition
  • On some evenings, Willie and Sue will join their guests around the campfire for a sundowner or two.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Recovery also requires welcoming scientists from around the world.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Athwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athwart. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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