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
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Recent Examples of cross section
The narrative features, however, such as 2010’s My Joy or 2017’s A Gentle Creature, were rich, rambling, surreal, maximalist, following characters on absurd quests through cross sections of bureaucracy and society.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Highlighting the day’s festivities will be the Hip-Hop Humanitarian Awards Gala with guests representing a cross section of global leaders, athletes, artists and human rights advocates.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2026
However, the scenario has prompted a cross section of the typically fractious party to unite behind the belief the field must shrink, whether by candidates’ choice or through pressure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
In other words, the cross section may have been too skinny for a heavy medal.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Highlighting the day’s festivities will be the Hip-Hop Humanitarian Awards Gala with guests representing a cross section of global leaders, athletes, artists and human rights advocates.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2026
However, the scenario has prompted a cross section of the typically fractious party to unite behind the belief the field must shrink, whether by candidates’ choice or through pressure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
In other words, the cross section may have been too skinny for a heavy medal.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross section
Noun
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But McKay’s office reviews every police report that includes the use of force and a sampling of shows of force — for instance, drawing but not firing a weapon.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
11 May 2026
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Pastry lessons, olive-oil sampling, and wine tastings are on offer, along with a screening room, a spa, and a pool.—
Kelley Manley,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Associated Press Key Facts The outbreak has sickened 246 people and killed 65 so far, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and preliminary lab results have reportedly detected Ebola in 13 of 20 samples tested.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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In the same study, the researchers examined blood samples from healthy human trial participants before and after immunization with BCG.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cross section.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross%20section. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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