across
3 synonyms for across, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — From one side of something to the other.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. prep
From one side of something to the other.
“She swam across the river.”
How to use across
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
across the street
across the world
get across
Etymology
From Middle English acros, originally a-croiz — "in the form of a cross" — from Anglo-Norman croiz ("cross").
Full origin of across →Frequently asked questions
What does “across” mean?
The word “across” means from one side of something to the other. In plain terms, moving or reaching from one side of something to the other, or being positioned on the opposite side.
How do you pronounce “across”?
“Across” is pronounced uh-KROS (/əˈkɹɒs/ in IPA).
How do you use “across” in a sentence?
Here is “across” used in a sentence: “She swam across the river.”
What part of speech is “across”?
Depending on how it is used, “across” can be a preposition and an adverb.
Where does the word “across” come from?
The word “across” comes from Middle English. From Middle English acros, originally a-croiz — "in the form of a cross" — from Anglo-Norman croiz ("cross").
Is “across” a common word?
“Across” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “across” have?
“Across” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: from one side of something to the other.
What is the difference between across and through?
Both describe movement to the other side, but 'across' means passing over a surface from one side to the other, like walking across a road. 'Through' means passing inside or amid something, like walking through a tunnel or through a crowd. Use 'across' for surfaces and 'through' for enclosed or dense spaces.
What is the difference between across and over?
They often overlap — you can walk across or over a bridge with the same meaning. The difference is emphasis: 'across' stresses going from one side to the other on a flat surface, while 'over' suggests rising above or crossing on top of something, as in climbing over a wall.
