cross-examination

noun

cross-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˈkrȯs-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce cross-examination (audio)
Synonyms of cross-examinationnext
: the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility compare direct examination
cross-examine
ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈza-mən How to pronounce cross-examination (audio)
verb
cross-examiner
ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈzam-nər How to pronounce cross-examination (audio)
-ˈza-mə-
noun

Examples of cross-examination in a Sentence

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.
Upon cross-examination, prosecutors questioned both men about their social media posts. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 Boyle excelled in closing arguments and in cross-examination of witnesses, McCann said. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Nov. 2024 During cross-examination Monday, prosecutor Stacy Diener pressed Westcott about her claims that Allen made up stories while in a psychotic state. —Jeremy Edwards, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Prosecutor Anthony Pierson countered during cross-examination that Coy could have determined whether Hill was dangerous by asking for identification, speaking with the homeowners or checking whether there were any outstanding warrants for Hill's arrest. —Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cross-examination 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-examination was circa 1707

Dictionary Entries Near cross-examination

crossette

cross-examination

cross-eye

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cross-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-examination. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Legal Definition

cross-examination

noun
: the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility see also confrontation clause compare direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination

Note: In accordance with Rule 611 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, cross-examination should only refer to matters that were covered during direct examination or that are relevant to the witness's credibility. Anything exceeding these limits is permissible at the court's discretion. Leading questions are also ordinarily allowed on cross-examination under Rule 611.

cross-examine verb
cross-examiner noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cross-examination

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cross-examination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cross-examination

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