as in sampling
a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole
a television ratings service that monitors the viewing of a representative cross section of the general population
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 section
In other words, the cross section may have been too skinny for a heavy medal.
—
Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
As our automotive editor Viju Mathew and longtime contributor Robert Ross note, the 2026 class brought together a sweeping cross section of categories and power trains—the kind of variety that has become a defining feature of Car of the Year.
—John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
Pretti’s killing, in particular, struck a chord of dismay with a cross section of Americans.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
The citywide pass The plays in the citywide pass offer an exciting cross section of what makes Ijames’s work so vibrant.
—Bess Rowen, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
As our automotive editor Viju Mathew and longtime contributor Robert Ross note, the 2026 class brought together a sweeping cross section of categories and power trains—the kind of variety that has become a defining feature of Car of the Year.
—John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
Pretti’s killing, in particular, struck a chord of dismay with a cross section of Americans.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
The citywide pass The plays in the citywide pass offer an exciting cross section of what makes Ijames’s work so vibrant.
—Bess Rowen, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross section
Noun
-
These seven paintings are just a small sampling of the city’s equally rich and varied cultural heritage.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Michael Wagner, who researches the role of social media in political campaigns at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reviewed a sampling of Ponto's messages and posts.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Supreme Court should grant enough time to do that analysis — and everyone involved in this case had better pray that the Texas lab doesn’t determine that the Deerfield Beach lab mishandled the sample to the point where no results are obtainable.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Toxicology testing was carried out on the two victims, with blood samples showing traces of the potent poison ricin, according to lawyers for the doctors.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cross section.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20section. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
