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
Relevance
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
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.
Recent Examples of back-and-forth
After a bit of back-and-forth, TSA agents at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport can officially hold onto gift cards given to them by Tyler Perry.
—
Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
One other advantage of being physically in the courtroom is the ability to pick up information during the less formal back-and-forth that often flows around a set hearing.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Jarocki molded that talent and got it to gel at the perfect time with decisive wins over Arapahoe in the Great 8 and Denver East in the Final 4 before beating Northfield 54-51 in a back-and-forth championship.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Abbott’s Tapas Das wrote in May 2017, after a back-and-forth.
—David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
One other advantage of being physically in the courtroom is the ability to pick up information during the less formal back-and-forth that often flows around a set hearing.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Jarocki molded that talent and got it to gel at the perfect time with decisive wins over Arapahoe in the Great 8 and Denver East in the Final 4 before beating Northfield 54-51 in a back-and-forth championship.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Abbott’s Tapas Das wrote in May 2017, after a back-and-forth.
—David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
As one person briefed on the exchange recalled, Altman then denied having made the claim.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The union offered to have workers return to work in less than a week in exchange for continued contract negotiations.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An online discussion about forming an unofficial supporters section brought four guys together for a beer.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Have a frank discussion with your lawyer.—
Wendy Hickey,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Building and construction unions no longer can use their old rhetorical cudgel in this debate — calling prefab homes flimsy and unsafe.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Rothman’s tenure has been marked by his efforts to increase state funding amid federal cuts, debates over free speech on campus amid pro-Palestinian protests, and declining enrollment leading to eight branch campus closures.—
Scott Bauer,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Empire Today supplies your flooring, schedules in-home design consultations and measures your home for new flooring.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
That statement prompted a consultation with the hospital's child abuse pediatrician, who then filed a CPS report.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kevin Cope 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.—
Kevin Cope,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
-
During the February 2026 stay, Laura again requested a posey bed and asked for a psychiatric consult.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But nothing sells better than winning, and that’s where the conversation pointed to at the end of the night.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Taurus April 20 – May 20 Open answers ease the pressure around current conversations.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The marvel of the play, and of this keenly staged and performed production, is its emotional volatility, the quiver of truth behind the percolating dialogue of evasion or shaming accusation.—
Steven Winn,
San Francisco Chronicle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The dialogue can even be reciprocal, Lucia said, with actors contributing suggestions about movement or camera angles.—
Emily Maskell,
IndieWire,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The days were spent in a sleek conference room, where guests gave talks.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Signaling progress in the peace talks, Axios reported that Washington and Tehran were engaged in discussions mediated by some Gulf states for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could end the conflict, although the odds for reaching a partial deal before the Tuesday deadline were slim.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
