Synonyms of trade-off

trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf 

as in exchange

a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another

a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exchange
• swap
• trade
• deal
• back-and-forth
• bargain
• bargaining
• commutation
• barter
• substitution
• dealing
• truck
• replacement
• negotiation
• transaction
• quid pro quo
• dicker
• reciprocation
• recompense
• haggling
• dickering
• horse trade
• horse trading
• logrolling
• requital

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trade-off

For renters, parents of small kids, pet owners and anyone in a home where open flames are impractical, that trade-off has turned a novelty gadget into a category regulars restock every year. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

The study showed that adding synthetic, non-canonical amino acids called azatryptophans to plastic-degrading enzymes (PETases) can break the trade-off between catalytic activity and thermal stability. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

This sort of convenience comes with a trade-off, even with Apple's promises of privacy and on-device processing. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2026

The trade-off approach can diplomatically highlight your existing load. — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026