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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of back-and-forth
Phypers previously mentioned Sheen amid their legal back-and-forth earlier this month, after Richards asked that Phypers pay her spousal support and that the court terminate its ability to award him support.
—
Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The back-and-forth came as the parties are at a stalemate over government spending, leading to widespread expectations of a shutdown at the end of the day on Tuesday.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
The 40-40 tie featured back-and-forth action, including a tying field goal on the last play of overtime to forge the stalemate.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The second half was a back-and-forth scoring fest with Granite Hills scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter and Cathedral Catholic 20.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The back-and-forth came as the parties are at a stalemate over government spending, leading to widespread expectations of a shutdown at the end of the day on Tuesday.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
The 40-40 tie featured back-and-forth action, including a tying field goal on the last play of overtime to forge the stalemate.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The second half was a back-and-forth scoring fest with Granite Hills scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter and Cathedral Catholic 20.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
The exchanges have included headline-making ripostes from Christian Pulisic and his entourage.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The second phase of the drill will include exchanges between British and Indian naval personnel.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While what kind of crust a Key Lime pie should have is often up for discussion, there’s no debate as heated as what should top the tangy pie.—
Amber Love Bond,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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Near the end of the day, Haag gathered her students for their usual wrap-up discussion.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That leaves places such as Apache County in limbo in a debate centered over keeping government fully operational at existing funding levels and revising health insurance coverage for poor and working-class Americans.—
Ronald J. Hansen,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Long history of policy changes Police chases in Milwaukee have been a frequent topic of debate in the city, and the policy dictating them is intertwined with the city's reckless driving issues.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Feedback from supporters is being digested and, over the next few months, further consultation with the Fan Advisory Board and other fans’ groups is anticipated.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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The drones that landed in Poland were not believed to be armed, but nonetheless, spurred Warsaw to trigger Article 4 emergency consultations with NATO members.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ernest Freeberg 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.—
Ernest Freeberg,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
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Jack McNamara 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.—
Jack McNamara,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Famous Last Words, based on the Danish format Det Sidste Ord, captures longform, deeply personal conversations with major luminaries.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Oct. 2025
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Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Earlier this month, Ripa celebrated her 25 seasons on Live, tying with Oprah Winfrey as TV's longest-running female daytime talk host.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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Her comments have sparked a media storm for the WNBA, drawing more attention to the league and Collier’s place in helping chart its future during the ongoing labor talks.—
Alex Andrejev,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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