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

In a back-and-forth game that included 15 lead changes and 12 ties, the Heat won the game on a game-winning inbounds play in overtime. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025

This audacious and nuanced book explores how the Church has repeatedly invented and reinvented itself through a constant back-and-forth between narratives of the Middle Ages and modernity. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Adverb

Sometimes the Dons lined up their three-man line in a regular stance, and on others plays the front seven were in all the box, on their feet and moving back and forth before the snap to disguise who was going to blitz. —Steve Dulas, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

The latest news follows significant back and forth over whether the benefits would go out during the ongoing government shutdown, leaving many scrambling to find other options for food. —Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025

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