give-and-take

noun

ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk How to pronounce give-and-take (audio)
Definition of give-and-takenext
1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue a give-and-take about what we should do Saturday night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in negotiation
the act or practice of each side giving up something in order to reach an agreement negotiating the terms of the deal will require some give-and-take on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in banter
good-natured teasing or exchanging of clever remarks enjoyed the flirty give-and-take between the two romantic lead characters

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 give-and-take This is the give in the give-and-take relationship between DOJ and its online audience. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 There’s a give-and-take, and some parts of the deal turn out to be better or worse than expected. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026 By now, Kerr is plenty familiar with the give-and-take that comes with coaching all-world players like Green and Steph Curry. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 3 May 2026 Which teams gained the most overall experience via the transfer give-and-take? — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for give-and-take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for give-and-take
  1. discussion
  2. negotiation
  3. banter
  4. debate
  5. compromise
  6. badinage
  7. consultation
  8. joke
Noun
  • According to Helms, Wadesboro Mayor Pro Tem Garrett Snuggs and a third individual later joined the discussion, and the conversation became increasingly heated.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
  • There were no punches thrown, just heated discussion about the result.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • And while the ongoing lease negotiation is under entirely different circumstances, the move from the General Assembly has colored some of the conversations now.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • Port of Oakland officials are expected to decide in the fall whether to enter negotiations with the franchise.
    — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Definition of negotiation
Noun
  • One of those challenges that queens do get to banter with Ru is the Snatch Game.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
  • Taking place during the summer of 1985, Benji and his teenage friends banter about culture and get their first taste of freedom.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of banter
Noun
  • What exactly triggers these blooms is still an active area of research and debate, according to Brad Taylor, associate professor at North Carolina State University and investigator at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.
    — Hannah Smith July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
  • In the meantime, the deadly encounter has reignited a contentious debate about body cameras, one that has long vexed local officials and pitted some of the city’s progressive groups against each other.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • The compromise of that information can weaken America's military advantage.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Like other transforming bathrooms, the Habiton X's bathroom finds a compromise between wet and dry configurations by using a slide-away toilet and foldaway sink to free up the shower space.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
Definition of compromise
Noun
  • Left on their own, boisterous badinage between old school British thespian Shaw and giggly, hyper-ventilating wannabe movie star Dreyfuss has taken hold.
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The action flows, the badinage is fast and fun.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of badinage
Noun
  • Well, Cameron called his own pitches after consultation with the Royals pitching coaches and veteran catcher Salvador Perez.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • After private consultations but no public discussion, the 193-member General Assembly scheduled a vote on his reappointment for Friday afternoon.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • For a few hours, the disappearance was fodder for office jokes, Mélanie Brinbaum, Nestlé’s European head of marketing and consumer communications, tells Fortune.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 July 2026
  • Poor Sirs Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are back in the mix, reprising their X-Men roles, and somehow, Channing Tatum is Gambit, like, for real and not as a joke.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of joke

Browse Nearby Words

give air to
give-and-take
give-and-takes
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Cite this Entry

“Give-and-take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give-and-take. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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