BACK-AND-FORTHS Synonyms: 62 Similar Words

back-and-forths

noun

plural of back-and-forth

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of back-and-forths LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have all had public back-and-forths with Smith over the years. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forths

Noun

Now, the biopharma industry could be next as Kalshi, one of the world’s largest prediction market exchanges, plans to take bets on clinical trials and regulatory approvals, STAT reports.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 July 2026
The sing-song way adults naturally speak to babies, smiles and other facial expressions, gentle touch, eye contact, and back-and-forth exchanges all appear to help open that social gate and facilitate learning and healthy brain development.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026

Definition of exchanges

Noun

In this case, the review will likely include discussions with Apple, who would need to grant Lego permission to do the project.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The talks were first reported by the New York Times, which pegged the deal’s worth at as much as $10 billion over two years, citing three people with knowledge of the discussions.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of discussions

Noun

But in later debates, the two Republicans were more likely to take aim at the Democrats on stage than each other.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
In Nolan’s film, people refer to the gods, but there are no divine debates on Olympus, and, indeed, the only member of the classical Greek pantheon who actually appears is Athena (Zendaya), watching over the action intermittently.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

Definition of debates

Noun

Additionally, the resort is hosting a retreat (September 17 to 20) to celebrate the launch of its Longevity Clinic, which will incorporate yoga, consultations, breathwork and stunning Five-Star Nizuc Spa by ESPA.

— Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Medical-tourism concierges can arrange everything from virtual consultations and physician vetting to airport transfers, translators, hotel stays, private nurses, lymphatic massages and postoperative appointments.

— Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Definition of consultations

Noun

The foreign minister of Qatar — a mediator in the conflict — had said ceasefire talks would continue after the multiday funeral last week for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

— NPR Staff, NPR, 14 July 2026
An investment firm run by Reddit co-founder Alex Ohanian is among those involved in early talks.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Definition of talks

Browse Nearby Words

back-and-forth

back-and-forths

back away

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“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of back-and-forths

noun

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