bat (around or back and forth)

Definition of bat (around or back and forth)next
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion the issue's been batted around, but nothing's ever been done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bat (around or back and forth)
Verb
  • People were definitely discussing that possibility afterward.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Anthropic, Google and OpenAI have discussed creating an AI industry standards body, people familiar with the situation told CNN.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The role of intention in determining claims of genocide is fiercely debated.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Shortly after the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, media archives show there was a mix of public reassurance, worry, and debate over international nuclear governance.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Egypt had been deeply involved in talks over a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Located on either side of the strait, Iran and Oman have held talks over managing ship traffic through the critical waterway, which has been heavily disrupted by the Iran war.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • One controversial second of game clock later, Michigan fans were swarming the field to celebrate a Hail Mary that many impartial observers argued shouldn’t have happened.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Gates argued that government and civil society need to move much more quickly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Bat (around or back and forth).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bat%20%28around%20or%20back%20and%20forth%29. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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