1
as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of back-and-forth
After one resident left the podium, multiple people from the gallery began a back-and-forth with Hoyt over the restriction that culminated in an outburst from the mayor.
—
Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Iran abandoned planned nuclear talks with the US in Turkey and proposed limited negotiations in Oman instead, teeing up a tense back-and-forth with Washington that rattled traders Wednesday.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Fantastic finish The memorable back-and-forth battle in Super Bowl 43 between the Cardinals and Steelers stood out for some.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
At the time of the back-and-forth with the daughter of disgraced and deceased media baron Robert Maxwell, Wasserman was married and his then-wife was pregnant with their first child.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Iran abandoned planned nuclear talks with the US in Turkey and proposed limited negotiations in Oman instead, teeing up a tense back-and-forth with Washington that rattled traders Wednesday.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Fantastic finish The memorable back-and-forth battle in Super Bowl 43 between the Cardinals and Steelers stood out for some.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
At the time of the back-and-forth with the daughter of disgraced and deceased media baron Robert Maxwell, Wasserman was married and his then-wife was pregnant with their first child.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
Porziņģis, who was acquired just before Thursday’s deadline from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, has played in just 59 games over the last two seasons because of various health issues.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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First, the goal of leading an economically secure life in exchange for hard work has become more elusive.—
Mark Robert Rank,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No, the Heat never got deep into discussions for Ja Morant.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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Final discussions are underway as Colorado moves toward possible changes to how SNAP benefits work in the state.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Housing policy debates fixate on supply without acknowledging the strain placed on families who spend hours each day on the road.—
Christopher Bellingham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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While there is considerable debate over Another Planet funding the rehab and ushering in the venue’s new role as a music house, what’s not in dispute is the impact the renovation on the building itself.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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The rhinoplasty process begins with a detailed consultation.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Alessandro Piazza does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Alessandro Piazza,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2026
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Guests are able to arrange consults with local amchi—traditional Bhutanese doctors—and resident practitioners will lead mindfulness and breathwork sessions.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some teens worry that relying on AI for emotional support could make real conversations harder.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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These physiological responses are now part of a wider conversation about rising instances of school avoidance among neurodiverse adolescents.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Trump also canceled bilateral dialogues on regional matters including immigration, drug-trafficking and maritime issues.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
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At home, what’s needed is a modern partnership grounded in equality, openness, companionship and dialogue.—
Jelena Kecmanovic,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some of those talks have sidelined antitrust chief Gail Slater, who inherited the Live Nation case from the Biden administration but has pursued it toward a trial set for March.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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Pezeshkian, who ordered Araghchi to pursue talks with the Americans after likely getting Khamenei’s blessing, also wrote on X on Sunday about the talks.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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