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

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

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

But there will be a give-and-take as to boundaries, land, etcetera, etcetera. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

It was intended as a joke, but Oliver appreciated the give-and-take, and his show gave tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations to Danbury to make the designation a reality. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025

Teens may miss the opportunity to build real-life empathy, navigate disagreements or learn the give-and-take of human connection. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Here's a look at the give-and-take the City and the developer are working on working out. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1679, 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