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Showing results for at cross-purposes. Search instead for Specific-purpose.
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.

“It is very dangerous when two parts of our government are working at cross-purposes, and it’s got to change,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 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

Without such communication, the court reasoned, such independent spending could be at cross-purposes with the candidate.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

Carroll, however, will tell you that he’s also been misconstrued, and that establishing the run is not at cross-purposes with an explosive attack.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2023

His face is unshaven; his arms lie on his legs at cross-purposes.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini