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
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
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
-
The ceasefire's initial phase focused on hostage exchanges, increased humanitarian aid and a limited Israeli pullback.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The game had moments of testy exchanges between the clubs, the Fire in their striking red uniforms and the Law in ominous black tops.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Las Vegas Raiders are working toward finalizing an agreement to make Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak their head coach, a person with knowledge of the discussions said Sunday.—
MARK ANDERSON,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Equally, industry discussions at Göteborg did not skirt the large challenges facing the Nordics, often shared by the global industry at large at a time of wrenching industry disruption.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The same rule that bans smoking and the use of cell phones during debates, among other things, also bars the display of slogans, banners or plaques.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Legal closure, unresolved debates With the misdemeanor plea now entered, Kamau avoids a felony conviction and the uncertainty of a jury trial.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Both parties have since agreed to hold follow-on discussions after consultations with their capitals, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.—
Nadeen Ebrahim,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Several nonprofit organizations are also providing free legal consultations on a case-by-case basis.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some teens worry that relying on AI for emotional support could make real conversations harder.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Travel, in particular, will benefit from open conversations about the facts of your schedule — and be sure to write down important information.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Asked about the pending deadline, a White House official told USA TODAY that Trump would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The current talks also coincide with the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States on Thursday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Guests are able to arrange consults with local amchi—traditional Bhutanese doctors—and resident practitioners will lead mindfulness and breathwork sessions.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside,
1 Feb. 2026
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Because of this, Gibson and her family are attempting to pay out of pocket for private consults and treatment.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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