1
as in exchanges
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 discussions
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-forths
Kelce and Nicole, 34, broke up multiple times throughout their five years together, and made several public comments and back-and-forths about each other on social media and in interviews over the years.
—
Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Given the awkward back-and-forths seen thus far and, even more so, Robinson’s history playing poor communicators, the description is hard to believe.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
The rapper and boxer have had social media back-and-forths with Remy on several occasions due to the situation.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
But unlike some of the classic back-and-forths of the past Probst would have during challenges with folks like Penner and Parvati Shallow, Survivor 49 will also air interactions that take place on both sides of the contests.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans and Democrats engaged in many back-and-forths during the hearing on Wednesday that began in the morning and is expected to last into the evening.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Our back-and-forths with a chatbot, in turn, exteriorize our private, internal dialogues, which some consider constitutive of thought itself.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Given the awkward back-and-forths seen thus far and, even more so, Robinson’s history playing poor communicators, the description is hard to believe.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
The rapper and boxer have had social media back-and-forths with Remy on several occasions due to the situation.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
But unlike some of the classic back-and-forths of the past Probst would have during challenges with folks like Penner and Parvati Shallow, Survivor 49 will also air interactions that take place on both sides of the contests.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans and Democrats engaged in many back-and-forths during the hearing on Wednesday that began in the morning and is expected to last into the evening.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Our back-and-forths with a chatbot, in turn, exteriorize our private, internal dialogues, which some consider constitutive of thought itself.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forths
Noun
-
Emails released in connection with Epstein’s records show a familiar and friendly tone between the two, including exchanges in which Epstein sent her expensive gifts.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Alas, exchanges like Kramer and Fauci’s were airing on staid C-SPAN, while network TV had already pivoted toward a flashier mode, in which open conflict became a sure formula for success.—
Talya Zax,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the sale of the Rothschild stake has been delayed, one person familiar with the discussions said there has been significant interest, and a sale will likely be completed in the coming months.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Oman, which has mediated the two rounds of discussions this year, announced that the third round would be held on Thursday in Geneva.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These are the technical, often unglamorous debates and policy decisions that justify the agency’s existence and the debates its appointees can have.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Even with the pandemic nearly six years in the rear-view mirror, work-from-home debates have continued as large companies—including Stellantis and Home Depot just in the last month—asked workers to come back to the office five days a week.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Opitma Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Services both offer free initial consultations and base pricing on case complexity.—
Deane Biermeier,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The physician and surgeon provides medical care to inmates at the California Health Care Facility, including exams, treatment and consultations.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And sources at two different talent agencies told me Sarandos had had productive conversations with agents there, pledging, among other things, that the streaming giant would allow divisions of the merged company to bid against each other for a project.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The taproom filled with musicians, creatives and artists, many in conversations about building platforms, creating spaces and making history.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, including ongoing protests inside Iran and mounting concerns about possible military escalation as the US builds up its forces in the Middle East.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Iran threatened to escalate any conflict if the US attacked, ahead of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Alongside her team, this pioneering expert consults with the FBI to solve the most baffling and elusive cases.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
-
As an industry analyst, author Bob O’Donnell works and consults with a wide range of tech companies, including T-Mobile.—
Bob O'Donnell,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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