Definitions

at cross-purposes

ADJECTIVE

opposed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anti antithetical averse disputed hostile inimical opposing

STRONG

battling clashing combating conflicting confronting controverting counter crossing defending denying disagreeing disputing exposing facing gainsaying objecting protesting repelling rival warring

WEAK

against allergic antipathetic antonymous at odds contrary defensive dissentient enemy in opposition incompatible irreconcilable obstructive opposite restrictive up against

Antonyms

STRONGEST

friendly kind

WEAK

in favor of

ADJECTIVE

opposed/opposing

Synonyms

WEAK

against the grain allergic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring

Antonyms

WEAK

aiding assisting compatible helping similar

ADJECTIVE

oppositional

Synonyms

WEAK

adversarial adverse against the grain allergic antagonistic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposed opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That makes “build-to-rent” development a bad investment, which means it won’t happen, which means fewer homes will be built, which is at cross-purposes with the point of the bill.

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2026

But instead Andrew remained part of the Royal Family, appearing at national events, at cross-purposes to the worthier efforts of his elder brother.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

“Hitchcock & Herrmann” is a painstakingly detailed history of two geniuses working first together and then at cross-purposes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

But this new “American Idiot” seems at cross-purposes with itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024

Wintergreen was a snide little punk who enjoyed working at cross-purposes.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

at cross-purposes

Example Sentences

Related Words