cross-sectional

adjective

as in fragmentary

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cross-sectional Because the study was cross-sectional, the findings show an association and do not prove that skipping breakfast causes lower grades. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 Now, a cross-sectional study based on a registry of fatal US motor vehicle crashes has found that the love of her albums may have even contributed a statistically significant bump in deadly traffic accidents, presumably by distracting drivers. — Mike McRae 18, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026 Strength and toughness describe a material’s performance after accounting for a strand’s tiny cross-sectional area or volume. — Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026 As trains traveling at high speeds displace enormous amounts of air, these tunnels require giant cross-sectional diameters to prevent uncomfortable passenger ear-popping and dangerous air-pressure shockwaves. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026 The 4-pin XLR / 3m cable has larger cross-sectional conductors to maintain low resistance over its extended length, with high-strength PFA insulation for durability and electrical performance. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 This first three-dimensional cross-sectional image goes 11 miles) below the crater and shows what appear to be various pools of magma at different depths, with rock or other material between them and more numerous toward the southeast of the crater. — Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026 Instead, Funnell suggests starting with a cross-sectional study comparing athletes who habitually drink during training to those who don’t, to see if the former group is less affected by dehydration. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026 Parents tend to perceive less need to safeguard boys, encouraging more adventurous risky behaviors, according to a 2024 cross-sectional study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cross-sectional
  1. fragmentary
  2. partial
  3. sectional
  4. divisional
  5. local
Adjective
  • The story is told in a fragmentary fashion, with short paragraphs that are separated by subheadings.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Manchester musician’s preference for the fragmentary extends to his approach to genre.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Definition of fragmentary
Adjective
  • Unlike Radica's Moonlander X and its partial alcove with storage shelf, the Stargate brings aboard a full sleeper alcove below the telescopic-lift hard roof.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The following is therefore a partial list, though an extensive one.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of partial
Adjective
  • This year’s sale is also ripe with small space-friendly gems like the Sanders Reversible sectional and Sven loveseat, both with handsome designs that can speak volumes in a living room of any size.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Governors no longer are grouped with Class 5A sectional nemesis Merrillville, which has ended each of their past three seasons.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sectional
Adjective
  • Once known for losing four consecutive Super Bowls, the Bills now have seven consecutive divisional round trips with zero Super Bowl appearances.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Please pass some of that energy to the Braves, who are clinging to a thin divisional lead weeks before the postseason.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of divisional
Adjective
  • Instead, local communities have learned how the law enforcement agencies themselves have been misusing the technology to, in some cases, stalk and harass their citizens.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Requests for comment sent to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and the local circuit court clerk were not immediately returned.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of local

Browse Nearby Words

cross section
cross-sectional
cross sections
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Cite this Entry

“Cross-sectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cross-sectional. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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