1
as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back-and-forth
The man refused a security officer’s instructions to leave the front of the stage, so after a brief back-and-forth, he was physically removed to a chorus of audience boos.
—
Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
For example, structured payment systems and tools like a business credit card can remove daily friction and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
The contentious back-and-forth between Anthropic and the Defense Department has been ongoing since around January, and the two sides don’t agree on what set it off.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Several prominent universities, including Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, made headlines in 2025 in a dizzying back-and-forth with the federal government.
—Brendan Cantwell, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
For example, structured payment systems and tools like a business credit card can remove daily friction and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
The contentious back-and-forth between Anthropic and the Defense Department has been ongoing since around January, and the two sides don’t agree on what set it off.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Several prominent universities, including Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, made headlines in 2025 in a dizzying back-and-forth with the federal government.
—Brendan Cantwell, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
Over billions of years, continuous chemical exchanges between this molten interior and the atmosphere have shaped the unique world observed today.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
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Their presence reflects the ongoing exchange between the Chinese and Korean fashion industries, particularly among younger consumers who closely follow both markets.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The weather service considered a winter storm watch with potential blizzard conditions, but held off because confidence is not high enough to expect visibility cut to a quarter mile or less with only an inch or two of snow expected, according to its forecast discussion.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
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Some highlights from the discussion follow.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The debate comes down, inescapably, to the question of alignment.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Six candidates were asked to participate in the March 24 debate, which is cosponsored by ABC7 Los Angeles and Univision.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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International patients typically want predictable scheduling, clear pricing and a pathway that feels managed from the first consultation to the final follow-up.—
Connie Etemadi,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
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As tech companies roll out platforms specifically designed for health care consultation, AI is rapidly becoming a key player in many people's medical decisions.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Aria Gastón-Panthaki does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Andres Bustamante,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
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Daya has a private practice in Los Angeles and consults with athletes in a wide range of sports from youth to professional, as well as business leaders, doctors, and musicians.—
Daya Grant,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Messenger Mercury conjoins ambitious Mars in your 3rd House of Communication, boosting errands and sibling talks, as well as putting more focus on practical, timely conversations.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
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Despite the ongoing disagreements, both sides say continuing conversations is important.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The protagonist Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) is so interior, the dialogue is minimal, so this had to feel like a huge challenge.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
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On BookTok, Hoover was so heavily recommended from 2020 to 2024 that combing her books for the most unrealistic dialogue and character decisions became a minor trend.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Friday, March 13, that the country opened talks with the United States as the island faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
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The brand will also host industry talks, buyer previews at the Mode trade show, and public exhibitions during the week — a format that increasingly reflects how Chinese brands use fashion week as a multi-platform moment spanning both industry and consumer audiences.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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