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
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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
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
Noun
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The Washington National Opera is accusing the Kennedy Center of failing to return more than $17 million in donor funds, escalating a dispute that followed the end of a 15-year partnership between the two institutions.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
12 June 2026
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According to settlement documents filed May 7 in the Southern District of New York, Baldoni, via his Wayfarer production company, and Lively agreed to settle their ongoing dispute on terms that Lively could still seek to recover attorney's fees and additional damages.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Police found that two adult men had been involved in an altercation when one of the men struck the other multiple times, authorities said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
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Jurors returned their verdict after several days of testimony from dozens of witnesses, including students who saw the altercation, investigators who handled the case, medical experts, and character witnesses called by the defense.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
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In May 2024, Jose Siri tried swinging at Uribe during a dugout-clearing quarrel.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Fitzpatrick has pointed to the saloon’s string of viral controversies as a calling card in the crowded race.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
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The controversy escalated after a photo of the students was reported to school officials, who believed the cigars were real, according to the report.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
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The deadlock reflected significant disagreement among jurors over the brothers' motives and the credibility of their abuse claims.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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Ken Griffin In one of the most notable disagreements so far, Mamdani and Griffin became entangled in drama after the mayor announced his new pied‑à‑terre tax proposal aimed at wealthier residents in the city.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Most baseball fights produce a little shoving, occasional hugging, some dancing and pulled powderpuff punches.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
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Coming just three days after launch, and after tech leaders and social media influencers showcased Fable’s leap in performance over earlier models, the sudden block has become a larger fight over who decides when an AI system is too powerful for open access.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Rejoining will necessitate difficult negotiations over the terms of re-entry and, doubtless, a heated argument at home.—
Anand Menon,
Time,
13 June 2026
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Opponents’ arguments, however, go beyond the $225 million increase to the details of financing.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
13 June 2026
Noun
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The 2026 women’s WWE Royal Rumble is wide open, and with no obvious potential winner, this year’s 30-woman battle royal could be laiden with surprises.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Another year, another round in the battle royal for streaming licenses.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cross fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20fire. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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