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
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
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
-
Moody's estimates that distressed restructurings — debt exchanges and maturity extensions agreed under duress — accounted for roughly 65% of all 2025 private credit defaults.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
-
This created several awkward exchanges with lawmakers who asked Gabbard for her opinion on the threat posed by Iran as the nation’s top intelligence official.—
Meg Kinnard,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Either way, discussions at home about repairs and family matters will be lively!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 May 2026
-
Last year’s event included round-table discussions between students and 30 local officials, including mayors and school superintendents.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
As tensions rise between the United States and China over trade, technology, Taiwan and military influence, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly shaping global politics and national security debates.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
15 May 2026
-
In the last two debates, Becerra, considered the party's frontrunner, has faced scrutiny from other candidates and the public over his connection to Williamson.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, adults can stay busy with the resort’s advanced wellness options, including personalized consultations and treatments for the mind, skin, microbiome and energy.—
Katie Lara,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
The retailer is also introducing complimentary services inspired by its Korean stores, including skin scans and scalp analysis consultations.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
However, Parker’s leadership and city officials maintain that the plans are years in the making and a result of conversations with community members.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
-
Radcliffe recalls hearing from audience members who left the performance changed by its frank conversations about mental health.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands during a signing ceremony following talks in Beijing, China, May 20, 2026, in a pool photograph distributed by the Russian state news agency Sputnik.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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With many issues in the contest between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV vet Spencer Pratt impacting the entertainment industry, Deadline talks with the contenders to hear their visions for the city.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Tirias Research tracks and consults for companies throughout the electronics ecosystem from semiconductors to systems and sensors to the cloud.—
Francis Sideco,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
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The next steps are psychological consults, a physical exam, uterine evaluation and blood work.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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