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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Recent Examples of back-and-forth
It is expected to conclude more than five years of legal back-and-forth as state attorneys general attempt to hold the OxyContin manufacturer and its owners responsible for their role in the opioid crisis.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
Their third loss in four games against the Dodgers this season (all in the past eight days) began as a back-and-forth affair.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
Trump has backed calls to arrest Newsom as the political opponents engage in a back-and-forth.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Tuesday’s vote comes after years of back-and-forth over whether retail pet sales should be allowed in the county.
—Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
Their third loss in four games against the Dodgers this season (all in the past eight days) began as a back-and-forth affair.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
Trump has backed calls to arrest Newsom as the political opponents engage in a back-and-forth.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Tuesday’s vote comes after years of back-and-forth over whether retail pet sales should be allowed in the county.
—Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
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The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the No. 29 pick on Wednesday and a 2029 first-round pick.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
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Instead, the Wizards undercut both Florida franchises, drafted and traded Clayton to Utah in exchange for the No. 21 pick and multiple second-round picks.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
Noun
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That urgency was reinforced during a discussion of recent federal action.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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On Monday, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony welcomed the sheriffs to the county, while FBI director Kash Patel and Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche held a discussion on how local law enforcement can work with the federal government.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Noun
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With Congress expected to slash federal aid soon, and with the latest state budget employing stopgap measures to comply with caps, that debate likely will resume soon.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2025
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Those and another 13 will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday’s debate will air at 7 p.m. on ABC 10News.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
Noun
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For a time, Cruz would let women know about misoprostol—how to procure and take it—and support them through the process while the doctor would provide consultations and follow-up care to those who needed it, such as an ultrasound to confirm gestation or monitoring of heavy bleeding.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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On June 8, President Trump sent in 1,700 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to help control the protests without California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) request or consultation.—
Amalia Huot-Marchand,
The Hill,
21 June 2025
Noun
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In The Permanente Medical Group, virtual specialty consults like these resolved 40% of cases immediately without the need for additional visits.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Through Safe in the Seat’s free car seat finder tool, online courses, helpful videos, personalized consults, and daily doses of safety tips and tricks, Michelle is empowering caregivers to keep their most precious cargo safe in the seat.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Noun
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This conversation has been edited for length, clarity and continuity.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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After Trump announced on social media Saturday evening that U.S. stealth jets had flown to Iran and dropped bombs on nuclear sites, escalating an already tense situation, Democrats found themselves in a circular series of conversations.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Yet Trump, whose administration had entered into talks with Iran aimed at reaching an agreement on the country's nuclear program, has backed the Israeli offensive and has openly contemplated joining the Israeli campaign through strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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Teammate Mika Zibanejad’s name has also come up in trade talks.—
Cory Lavalette,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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