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
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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This Air sign is all about balance, connection and aesthetics, so having Venus here amplifies our desire for meaningful relationships and lighthearted exchanges.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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At its core, the shutdown is a debate over health care policy — and particularly the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are expiring for millions of Americans who rely on government aid to purchase their own health insurance policies on the Obamacare exchanges.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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When jurors came forward with concerns, Farber was strict about respecting the sanctity of deliberations and cautioned them not to discuss the content or tenor of jury room discussions, transcripts show.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
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Those are, the Lewis family insists, not active discussions right now.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And look for dozens of episodes featuring genre-spanning discussions, debates, and explainers with Rolling Stone’s critics and reporters.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
16 Oct. 2025
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Just 20 votes are needed to form a majority against him, and the upcoming budget debates will also be crucial and tense.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In February alone, the center reported more than 2,500 medical consultations.—
NPR,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
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Currently in development, the project will incorporate materials from the Peace Foundation’s archives alongside expert consultations and research into Chinese market dynamics and audience preferences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Despite ongoing trade talks between Washington and Beijing, trade tensions re-escalated Thursday after China ramped up export restrictions on critical rare earth minerals.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
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Eastern Syria is where risks of ethnic tension, tribal mobilization, and jihadist resurgence converge, if talks fail.—
Hassan Hassan,
Time,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Tagovailoa said the conversations with his teammates revolved around what his intent was with the comments.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Your contact details, purchase history, support tickets and even private conversations can end up in the wrong hands.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 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 18 Oct. 2025.
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