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

After some back-and-forth, the Disney streamer took it off the market with a straight-to-series order, which is still being negotiated. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

And this is where the back-and-forth picks up steam because the Patriots became aware of CJGJ's comments about Chism on Monday morning. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Adverb

In non-linear fashion, Sorkin’s scenario darts back and forth between 2018, ’19, ’20 and ’21, offering a puzzle that eventually will come all together. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

After a summer of back and forth with its staff over strikes, pay and working conditions, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is launching a voluntary exit scheme as part of its strategy for 2026 through 2030. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

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