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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of give-and-take
Without the organic give-and-take of a real therapeutic exchange, patients lose the sense that someone is not merely interpreting your words but genuinely trying to understand you.
—
Brianna Hardcastle, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
For any deal to be signed into law, however, will require a give-and-take that Democrats might find difficult to swallow.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
His offensive approach, though, has been a give-and-take.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
After going to work for Edgar, the popular, two-term chief executive from 1991 to 1999 who died in September, Egler didn’t shy away from engaging in give-and-take with reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for give-and-take
Brianna Hardcastle, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
For any deal to be signed into law, however, will require a give-and-take that Democrats might find difficult to swallow.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
His offensive approach, though, has been a give-and-take.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
After going to work for Edgar, the popular, two-term chief executive from 1991 to 1999 who died in September, Egler didn’t shy away from engaging in give-and-take with reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for give-and-take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for give-and-take
Noun
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Fourteen months after Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs started contract discussions, the sides agreed to a six-year, $115 million extension through the 2032 season.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
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The very structure of the discussion can begin to suppress caution.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Cybele Mayes-Osterman Iran and the United States have yet to find common ground to move to the next step towards negotiations, a regional official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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After more than a week of intense negotiations — some involving the White House — the two sides agreed early Friday to fund most parts of the Homeland Security Department except for ICE and parts of CBP.—
Kevin Freking,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Evans' snarky banter — ripped straight from the Movie Villain 101 playbook — combined with Gosling's Jason Bourne impression, makes for a wild ride.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Mar. 2026
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The banter and mischief continued until Balmoral.—
Katie Nicholl,
Vanity Fair,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Abbott, Patrick brawl over complete ban The debate over a complete ban on THC was one of the most high-profile issues in the Texas Legislature's regular session last year.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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At its core, this debate is a value judgment about what belongs in a basic high school education.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Collective processes involve tiring negotiations, frequent conflicts, and disappointing compromises, both internally among the team and with external interlocutors and partners.—
Adam Szymczyk,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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After consecutive years of other legislation that sought an outright repeal of the Medicaid expansion over rising expense to taxpayers, the work requirements bill was branded a compromise to rein in costs.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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The action flows, the badinage is fast and fun.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Empire Today supplies your flooring, schedules in-home design consultations and measures your home for new flooring.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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That statement prompted a consultation with the hospital's child abuse pediatrician, who then filed a CPS report.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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No this is not a joke…Retro Weather Channel is officially back!—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
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The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Give-and-take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give-and-take. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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