double-cross

1 of 2

verb

dou·​ble-cross ˌdə-bəl-ˈkrȯs How to pronounce double-cross (audio)
double-crossed; double-crossing; double-crosses
Synonyms of double-crossnext

transitive verb

: to deceive by double-dealing : betray
double-crosser noun

double cross

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: an act of winning or trying to win a fight or match after agreeing to lose it
b
: an act of betraying or cheating an associate
2
: a cross between first-generation hybrids of four separate inbred lines (as in the production of hybrid seed corn)

Synonyms of double-cross

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of double-cross in a Sentence

Verb she promised to share the profits but then double-crossed us Noun politics is full of double crosses and backbiting
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Things go awry when he’s double-crossed. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026 The Rip has little else to offer the actors or the audience beyond a plot built on ratcheting up tension and double-crossing characters. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
At an undisclosed rendezvous point, a different double cross is in the works. — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 1 June 2025 In his two decades as a professional drug snitch, Jorge Hernández was a master of the double cross. — Byjoshua Goodman, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for double-cross

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1889, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-cross was in 1834

Rhymes for double-cross

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Browse Nearby Words

double-crop
double-cross
double cross
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double-cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-cross. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

double cross

noun
: an act of betraying or cheating especially an associate
double-cross
ˌdəb-əl-ˈkrȯs
verb
double-crosser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on double-cross

Nglish: Translation of double-cross for Spanish Speakers

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