Cross currents refer to the conflicting or opposing forces or ideas that exist within a situation or context. Some synonyms for cross current include counter-current, conflicting currents, opposing forces, divergent ideas, dissenting views, and contrary opinions. These terms all imply a sense of tension or disagreement, where different viewpoints or perspectives are struggling for dominance. Other related terms could include crosswinds, crosscurrents, or even riptides, which all describe the unpredictable and chaotic nature of competing forces. Ultimately, any situation where opposing or conflicting forces collide could be described as a cross current, and there are countless ways to capture this complex interplay of ideas and emotions in language.