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 That give-and-take without keeping score keeps the relationship strong. — Amy Morin, CNBC, 19 July 2026 In a strategic give-and-take, North Korea reaffirmed its support of China over the Taiwan issue, Ban said. — ABC News, 9 June 2026 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 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
  • No discussion of nuclear deterrence should ever lose sight of the human lives behind those words.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Those discussions reveal how employees think and give managers a chance to coach reasoning, not just review the final deliverable.
    — Samir Dutta, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance helps fill that gap, uniting national associations to lobby policymakers and guide young composers through contracts and negotiations.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Trade negotiations between the United States and Mexico have reached an impasse after months of talks between officials about a deal to reduce duties on critical imports from beyond the southern border.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of negotiation
Noun
  • The director, Sanchez, deftly leads the effort with invisible but subtly effective staging, ensuring that the family banter propels the flow.
    — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The pace of the Sorkinian banter is meaningful beyond its showiness.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of banter
Noun
  • Giving Americans $1,000 or $5,000 invested in a technology index is a straightforward idea; The source and use of the funds will likely be of great debate.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Congress weighs competing proposals Anthropic’s draft enters a crowded legislative debate over how the United States should regulate frontier AI.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • But for those who understand the unique driving experience that a 911 offers, the alternatives quickly start to feel like compromises rather than upgrades.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Rand said the application proposes demolishing the building at this time, but calls it a very early first step and adds that the owner is open to a compromise.
    — Gio Insignares, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of compromise
Noun
  • The speed and clarity with which Cruise delivers that monologue extends to his interactions with his co-stars in scenes that recall the whip-smart comedies of Preston Sturges in their fast badinage.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of badinage
Noun
  • The consultation, surgical approach and follow-up care may also differ, which can affect the overall cost.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Norway will now hold a public consultation on the recommendations made in the report, with the central bank due to submit its response in January.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And the Longhorns’ quarterback, Arch Manning, was the butt of the joke.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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