as in quarrels
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross fires
Noun
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In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026 -
As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The launch also reflects China’s broader push to strengthen domestic energy resilience as import-dependent economies face continued risks from shipping disruptions, sanctions disputes, and instability across global oil markets.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
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Ali had refused to take a public stance on the diplomatic disputes.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
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The cases stemmed from a series of allegations, each made that the other acted violently in a series of altercations that month.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Noun
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That even if there were disagreements about politics, everyone went to his wedding anyway.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
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Players will still be able to cover their mouths when conversing normally, but outlawing the act during disagreements is designed to remove plausible deniability for any player accused of making discriminatory remarks while their mouth is obscured.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
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To those who knew him, Lemieux could be surprisingly vulnerable, Shanahan said, noting the friendship Lemieux forged with Red Wings enforcer Darren McCarty despite multiple fights in their careers.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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Those offenses could include public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fights and noise disturbances.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The criticism of this process is reminiscent of more momentous controversies in the traditional financial world, where small groups of traders had the power to swing much bigger markets.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
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Cornyn is also backed by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans and many of his Senate colleagues have stood by his side despite the president's endorsement, citing their belief that Paxton’s past controversies could put this safe Republican seat at risk.—
Diana Paulsen,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
Noun
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From here, there will be arguments made, hearings held and amendments introduced.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
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Myriad arguments can be made against multi-club ownership.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Growing parsley between the asparagus rows makes smart use of empty garden space and boosts the productivity of the garden.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 May 2026
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Hulst, lined up in the second of two rows at the start, just over Serna’s right shoulder, got boxed in when the gun went off.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cross fires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20fires. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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