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

Kennedy received a verbal warning from governing body World Curling a day after the feisty back-and-forth with the Swedish team, when fingers were pointed and the Canadian player repeatedly swore. —Steve Douglas, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026

Sherrill slammed the political back-and-forth, pointing out all the money spent on legal fees for a project Congress already approved. —Alice Gainer, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026

Adverb

Here, the gentle tide creeps back and forth as a soothing marker of the passing day. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026

There was a lot of just back and forth with that. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 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