back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth 

: discussion sense 1, give-and-take

also : exchange sense 1

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: backward and forward

also : between two places or persons

Synonyms of back-and-forth

Noun

• exchange

Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence

Noun

after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion

the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors

Adverb

The chair rocked back and forth.

The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The legal back-and-forth to obtain access to the records took more than three years, but Ellison’s office eventually filed a civil enforcement action alleging violations of the state’s Fair Labor Standards Act. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026

During debate prep for the 2024 campaign, Miller found himself in a contentious back-and-forth over immigration with a more moderate Trump ally. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026

Adverb

There’s a little back and forth, talking to him and talking to the other players. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and Alysa Liu have developed a sisterhood that is rare in the world of solitary singles skating, often finishing each other’s sentences or thoughts and easily falling into witty back and forth exchanges that are hilarious and entertaining to witness. —Alice Park, Time, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back-and-forth

• fourth
• henceforth
• thenceforth