: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
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
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
After much back-and-forth, the two signed their divorce papers in July 2015.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The researchers say the jet will seem to wag back and forth like a cosmic tail as the smaller black hole continues its 12-year orbit, offering a rare opportunity to watch their motion evolve in real time.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
Durant is known for replying to fans via X and engaging in back-and-forth conversations with them, and that was the case on Sunday.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
After much back-and-forth, the two signed their divorce papers in July 2015.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Adverb
After Polanco’s ball zoomed into right field and the winning run crossed the plate, Skubal rocked back and forth on the dugout railing.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The researchers say the jet will seem to wag back and forth like a cosmic tail as the smaller black hole continues its 12-year orbit, offering a rare opportunity to watch their motion evolve in real time.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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