What does "cross-examination" mean?
The interrogation or questioning of a witness by the party against whom they have been called and examined, in an attempt to prove or reveal something false or untold during direct examination.
Cross-examination
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The interrogation or questioning of a witness by the party against whom they have been called and examined, in an attempt to prove or reveal something false or untold during direct examination.
- Grammar: cross-examination is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: examination, grilling, hearing, inquest.
- Usage evidence: That was your cross-examination?
How to use "cross-examination"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cross-examination" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cross-examination" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cross-examination" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 The interrogation or questioning of a witness by the party against whom they have been called and examined, in an attempt to prove or reveal something false or untold during direct examination. countable, uncountable
"It is impossible to bring them here for cross-examination; one simply has to conduct one's defence and argue one's case against an invisible opponent, […]"
- 2 (law) close questioning of a hostile witness in a court of law to discredit or throw a new light on the testimony already provided in direct examination wordnet
- 3 Any intense period of questioning, especially if hostile. broadly, countable, uncountable
Example
"That was your cross-examination?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cross-examination"?
Common synonyms include: examination, grilling, hearing, inquest, inquiry, inquisition.
How do you use "cross-examination" in a sentence?
That was your cross-examination?
Etymology
From cross- + examination.