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
Relevance
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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of back-and-forths
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
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
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Saturday also marks the start of enrollment on federal insurance exchanges, and premiums are expected to more than double on average.—
NPR,
NPR,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Unsurprisingly, loneliness dropped during positive interactions with friends, but negative ones didn’t have much effect – perhaps because negative exchanges were rare, accounting for only 2% of reports.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In contrast, outgoing chief Jennings has remained out of public eye in recent months as the city has grappled with these discussions.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
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Billboard reached out to several stations’ programming and music directors to seek comment on the song, artist and surrounding industry discussions, but none replied to our inquiries.—
Trevor Anderson,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Vilnius also actively encourages people to engage with policy debates and to participate in civic life through citizen assemblies.—
Anna Heim,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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But in between the cutting insults, the two have had gritty policy debates and have each managed to thoroughly articulate their platforms to New Jersey voters.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In instances of severe infestation, insecticides or professional consultations are also recommended.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
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The company also maintains a permanent outpost in London and offers virtual consultations.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Although nothing is imminent, club sources say the hierarchy are keen to find a successor and have held talks with a number of candidates.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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For his part, Carney said his government remains ready to continue talks to reduce tariffs in certain sectors.—
Rob Gillies,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Halloween plans could change on a whim, conversations could take wild turns and the costumes could be especially shocking, given their eerie resemblance to your worst nightmare.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Now, as the attention economy impacts casting, couples are no longer making it to the altar and political conversations are entering the series.—
Christian Orozco,
NBC news,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Pre-arrival photo consults help estimate graft counts, map a design, and explain how prices range with case complexity.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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These visits, often funded by health plans and paired with remote nurse practitioner consults, reconnect patients with care on their own schedules, reducing barriers and improving outcomes.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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