Synonyms of trade-off

trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf 

as in exchange

a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another

a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exchange
• swap
• trade
• deal
• back-and-forth
• bargain
• bargaining
• commutation
• barter
• substitution
• dealing
• truck
• replacement
• negotiation
• transaction
• quid pro quo
• dicker
• reciprocation
• recompense
• haggling
• dickering
• horse trade
• horse trading
• logrolling
• requital

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trade-off

Langer says his journey required some trade-offs, but advises young professionals to stay on course to lead a fulfilling career like his own. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Those higher fuel prices, Walmart says, are prompting consumers to make trade-offs. — Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026

States and the federal government make different trade-offs between these goals. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

The expectation is their benefits — especially health care — will be more generous and protective as a trade-off. — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026