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

The game was a back-and-forth affair that has presented the Americans with a stern challenge in their final game before the win-or-go-home Round of 32 next week. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Lawyers manage the back-and-forth, handle submissions, and sort through policy language that’s deliberately dense. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

Adverb

Oscillating back and forth between the two had an impact on her stand-up. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 25 June 2026

Quinn also made the decision to go play piano in New York at the end of last season after a steamy back and forth with Staten, whose father (Brett Cullen) challenged him for chairmanship of the Double K Ranch. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 25 June 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