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

Thanks to polarization, however, these noble ideals of political give-and-take have dissolved. —Robert B. Talisse, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2025

Our system was built to encourage vigorous give-and-take and to move final decisions toward the middle. —The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025

While developing promising new SmallSat technologies is a key goal of USTP, so too is building a critical give-and-take between NASA and university researchers. —Robin Roenker, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025

Likewise, romantic partners can achieve an easy understanding and practical give-and-take. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2025

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