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
With each witness, Guillard — in her role as her own attorney — challenged their testimony in sometimes testy back-and-forths that had to be refereed by the judge and court staff.
—
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forths
Noun
-
Over billions of years, continuous chemical exchanges between this molten interior and the atmosphere have shaped the unique world observed today.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
-
International exchanges are already planned through the Global Beauty Innovation Network.—
Johannes Neubacher,
Footwear News,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Early discussions of investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the railroad drew attention for increasing access to higher-paying jobs in Chicago, but the railroad is also attracting residents to Northwest Indiana.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The discussions focused on the company’s pending acquisition of Vantage Group Holdings, which is expected to provide the insurance platform that will generate investable capital, the analysts said.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are no coherent debates to be had about the absolute necessity to immunize children for both their individual benefit and the preservation of public health as a whole.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Building new housing, paring back regulations to allow such construction quickly and to reduce the cost of buy a home, disincentivizing private firms from buying homes and reducing gas prices are among topics candidates frequently speak about on the campaign trail and in debates.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Anand arrived in Turkey for consultations on the situation in the region as the war rages on.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Both agreed to continue consultations.—
Ram Charan,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From there, pathways can lead to a dedicated social zone centered around a crackling fire pit or a comfortable sofa, perfect for late-evening conversations.—
Rosehill Gardens,
Kansas City Star,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Only in conversations, and even rather awkward silences, does the film reveal more emotion than the script ever can.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press ahead of talks in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Anand stressed Canada's priority was the de-escalation of the conflict and the protection of civilians.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Dining is communal, indoors or outside, and serves as both nourishment and education, sometimes with nutrition talks included.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Daya has a private practice in Los Angeles and consults with athletes in a wide range of sports from youth to professional, as well as business leaders, doctors, and musicians.—
Daya Grant,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Alongside her team, this pioneering expert consults with the FBI to solve the most baffling and elusive cases.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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