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
Despite the back-and-forth in the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) has kept its recommendation consistent.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 June 2025
During a joint interview, Dayan and Halaby had a civil but firm back-and-forth about the Boulder attack and about whether marching for one thing — returning the hostages or demanding a ceasefire in Gaza — means ignoring the other.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
The flurry of news is the latest in several chaotic months of back-and-forth tariff announcements followed by subsequent adjustments.
—Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 27 June 2025
Their back-and-forth banter adds to the playfulness of the record.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 June 2025
During a joint interview, Dayan and Halaby had a civil but firm back-and-forth about the Boulder attack and about whether marching for one thing — returning the hostages or demanding a ceasefire in Gaza — means ignoring the other.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
The flurry of news is the latest in several chaotic months of back-and-forth tariff announcements followed by subsequent adjustments.
—Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 27 June 2025
Their back-and-forth banter adds to the playfulness of the record.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
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Instead, the Wizards undercut both Florida franchises, drafted and traded Clayton to Utah in exchange for the No. 21 pick and multiple second-round picks.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the No. 29 pick on Wednesday and a 2029 first-round pick.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
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On Monday, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony welcomed the sheriffs to the county, while FBI director Kash Patel and Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche held a discussion on how local law enforcement can work with the federal government.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
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That urgency was reinforced during a discussion of recent federal action.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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The Senate is set to launch an hours-long debate June 28 that should culminate with a vote in which Democrats are all expected to vote no.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
29 June 2025
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While China is inviting international cooperation, recent debates on tariffs between the two nations would seem to make the proposition difficult to hammer out.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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For a time, Cruz would let women know about misoprostol—how to procure and take it—and support them through the process while the doctor would provide consultations and follow-up care to those who needed it, such as an ultrasound to confirm gestation or monitoring of heavy bleeding.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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On June 8, President Trump sent in 1,700 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to help control the protests without California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) request or consultation.—
Amalia Huot-Marchand,
The Hill,
21 June 2025
Noun
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In The Permanente Medical Group, virtual specialty consults like these resolved 40% of cases immediately without the need for additional visits.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Through Safe in the Seat’s free car seat finder tool, online courses, helpful videos, personalized consults, and daily doses of safety tips and tricks, Michelle is empowering caregivers to keep their most precious cargo safe in the seat.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Noun
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This conversation has been edited for length, clarity and continuity.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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After Trump announced on social media Saturday evening that U.S. stealth jets had flown to Iran and dropped bombs on nuclear sites, escalating an already tense situation, Democrats found themselves in a circular series of conversations.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Yet Trump, whose administration had entered into talks with Iran aimed at reaching an agreement on the country's nuclear program, has backed the Israeli offensive and has openly contemplated joining the Israeli campaign through strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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On Friday, the VIX—Wall Street’s fear gauge—fell 7.9% after Thursday’s spike on war talk.—
Ian Mount,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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