cross fire

noun

Definition of cross firenext
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions viewers tune in to witness the weekly cross fire between the liberal and conservative commentators

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 cross fire Unfortunately, the older teens (including Louise’s nemesis, Logan) have taken over the area for snowball fights, and the younger kids get caught in the cross fire. — Lillian Brown, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024 The incident was the latest of several protests on campuses across the country by pro-Palestinian protesters in response to the war between Israel and Hamas and the killing of thousands of Palestinians caught in the cross fire. — Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024 Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire. — USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 Their car escaped only because Gal pushed the driver’s head down to avoid being hit by the intense cross fire. — David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cross fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross fire
  1. dispute
  2. altercation
  3. quarrel
  4. controversy
  5. disagreement
  6. fight
  7. argument
  8. battle royal
Noun
  • To join the plan, each one had to check a box, agreeing to use arbitration to settle any dispute.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Bracing for a ‘wave of disputes’ Take-or-pay contracts have their origins in the energy sector, where long and capital-intensive production timelines justified a similar legal ultimatum.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man died from injuries suffered in an altercation that was initially reported as a possible strong-arm robbery, a police spokesman said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026
  • To illustrate Daniel’s progress, Shaikh recounted an altercation Daniel had while leading a Friday evening prayer service in jail.
    — Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • This week, in the zany world of SEC football, a bit of controversy bubbled to life.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The development, announced Wednesday, is the latest turn in a disturbing player-health controversy that could lead to legal action.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • The theory does not turn every workplace disagreement or questionable management decision into a wrongful-termination case.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But disagreement within one court does not establish a split between appeals courts.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • The fight, Haro said, is about more than extending a lease or delaying an eviction.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The opposite is true for our pal Shikishima, who has absolutely no interest in ever climbing back into the cockpit of a fight plane.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • The high court will hear oral arguments on the case, but not until December, meaning a decision will come next year.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Appellant's pro se motion for oral argument and appointment of counsel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • The second came when Uso won a battle royal on Raw last fall and earned the right to face CM Punk for the then-vacant World Heavyweight Championship.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Another year, another round in the battle royal for streaming licenses.
    — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
Definition of battle royal

Browse Nearby Words

cross-fertilizations
cross fire
cross fires
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cross fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20fire. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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