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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Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026 -
Washington’s choice prioritized American independence over European quarrels.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Think of them like a referee of sorts—someone who can make official calls when questions or disputes come up.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
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For hours, in the suffocating heat, Dooley sifted through endless accounts of mundane colonial matters—church records, itemizations, legal disputes, petty complaints.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Although government officials have claimed that Good and Pretti were both aggressors in their altercations, footage captured by bystanders appeared to contradict those claims.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Agents themselves are pulling out their phones during altercations with protesters.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The episode has punctured Preckwinkle’s reputation for managerial skill — a primary reason this page has endorsed her in previous elections despite some disagreements with other aspects of her record.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Trump has demanded a resolution to the two countries’ long-standing disagreements about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Doing so would delay response times to medical emergencies, fights, suicide attempts and fires.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
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Most of Szalay’s fights end by decision, and neither man has ever been finished by strikes.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Target, the second-largest public corporation headquartered in the state (after UnitedHealth), experienced a front-page blowback from political controversies twice in recent years.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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Elon Musk’s growing involvement in international politics, social media controversies, and ideological battles has begun to bleed into Tesla’s brand perception—particularly outside the United States.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In support of the Fed’s independence, current and former Fed officials attended the oral arguments, including Fed Governor Michael Barr, former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke, and Powell himself.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
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The Supreme Court previously allowed Cook to remain in her role pending the oral arguments.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Inside, there are rows of Akita cedar pillars, meant to calm the minds of visitors, the brand said.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
31 Jan. 2026
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It’s filled with curved desks arranged in rows, each equipped with multiple computer monitors.—
Isaac Stanley-Becker,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 2026.
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