: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Synonyms
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
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 July 2024
After three years of back-and-forth with the individuals, Steven knew something was wrong.
—Laura Romero, ABC News, 16 July 2024
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2024
The long, bleak days on Fargo and all of the traveling back and forth [between the two shows] paid off, apparently.
—Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth 
Noun
The assemblage has not proven as popular with viewers as the back-and-forth of Sharpe and Bayless.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 July 2024
After three years of back-and-forth with the individuals, Steven knew something was wrong.
—Laura Romero, ABC News, 16 July 2024
Adverb
From this point, the show moves back and forth in time leading up to Paris.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2024
The long, bleak days on Fargo and all of the traveling back and forth [between the two shows] paid off, apparently.
—Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back-and-forth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 26 Jul. 2024.
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