give-and-take

noun

ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk 

1

: the practice of making mutual concessions : compromise

2

: a usually good-natured exchange (as of ideas or comments)

Synonyms of give-and-take

• discussion
• debate
• consultation
• consult
• dialogue
• conversation
• talk

Examples of give-and-take in a Sentence

a give-and-take about what we should do Saturday night

negotiating the terms of the deal will require some give-and-take on both sides

enjoyed the flirty give-and-take between the two romantic lead characters

Recent Examples on the Web

Part of football is give-and-take, and elite sides tend to control the ball at the expense of solidity, but Frank’s side is yet to hit the mark in either department. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026

His offensive approach, though, has been a give-and-take. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026

After going to work for Edgar, the popular, two-term chief executive from 1991 to 1999 who died in September, Egler didn’t shy away from engaging in give-and-take with reporters. —Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Natanya’s performance suggests the strain from two competing personalities underneath the relationship’s give-and-take. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for give-and-take

• radiopaque
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake
• fake
• flake
• hake

Kids Definition

give-and-take

noun

ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk

1

: the practice of all sides in a dispute settling for less than they want : compromise

2

: a good-natured exchange of ideas