Thesaurus results for BACK-AND-FORTH

back-and-forth

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth

Definition of back-and-forth

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

Relevance

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of back-and-forth After a brief back-and-forth, the video shows the employee’s hand reaching toward the camera before Varela’s phone goes dark. — Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026 The Park Hill High School product’s winning hit in the 10th inning drove in two, lifted the Royals to a 7-6 victory and capped a wild night of back-and-forth baseball. — Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026 The region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks in a conflict increasingly focused on control of the strait, an essential waterway that used to carry a fifth of the world’s crude oil. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 18 July 2026 The Duke of Sussex had a rocky road to reunion with his father, and an explosive back-and-forth over security and accommodation for his family cast a shadow over his return. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth

Noun

Though Wasserman hasn’t been charged with any crime, the exchanges took place before Maxwell had been charged with any wrongdoing, and the LA28 board backed Wasserman, the entertainment mogul sold his agency after several prominent artists fled.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The build-up is already heated, with both fighters engaging in intense exchanges, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of exchange

Noun

According to Helms, Wadesboro Mayor Pro Tem Garrett Snuggs and a third individual later joined the discussion, and the conversation became increasingly heated.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
There were no punches thrown, just heated discussion about the result.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Definition of discussion

Noun

What exactly triggers these blooms is still an active area of research and debate, according to Brad Taylor, associate professor at North Carolina State University and investigator at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

— Hannah Smith July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
In the meantime, the deadly encounter has reignited a contentious debate about body cameras, one that has long vexed local officials and pitted some of the city’s progressive groups against each other.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

Well, Cameron called his own pitches after consultation with the Royals pitching coaches and veteran catcher Salvador Perez.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
After private consultations but no public discussion, the 193-member General Assembly scheduled a vote on his reappointment for Friday afternoon.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of consultation

Noun

Matthew Pittman 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.

— Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.

— Zuri Primos June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Definition of consult

Noun

And time for conversations to focus on gold, silver and bronze.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
For too long, conversations about Africa and aerospace have begun with what the continent supposedly lacks, while African women have been imagined as spectators or beneficiaries instead of astronauts and engineers.

— Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Definition of conversation

Noun

In Tuesday’s Transfer DealSheet, The Athletic reported Aston Villa had held dialogue with Chelsea regarding the potential transfer of Alejandro Garnacho.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
By contrast, leaders who encourage dialogue, communicate openly and create space for learning are more likely to foster accountability and initiative throughout their teams.

— Jorge Couto, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of dialogue

Noun

Patel arrived in Jakarta shortly after talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet concerning joint efforts to combat international online scam operations that cheat victims out of billions of dollars annually.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
There was talk after every season about Bill threatening to quit and the board talking him out of it.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of talk

Browse Nearby Words

backaches

back-and-forth

back-and-forths

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of back-and-forth

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aerie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes