trade-off

Definition of trade-offnext
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

Relevance

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 trade-off Chris Ong, Seatrium’s CEO, sees the Iran conflict sharpening what specialists call the energy trilemma, or the trade-off between energy security, affordable supply, and environmental sustainability. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Belavi 9 Foot Aluminum Umbrella Of course, enjoying the outdoor air also comes with the trade-off that you’ll also be exposed to the sun’s bright, hot rays. Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026 The trade-off is less on-road refinement. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 But in a blog post, Sutherland noted the location function came with a security trade-off. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-off
exchange
Noun
  • Lampley brought up the exchange involving Colbert’s friend, which ended up being cut before air.
    Mark Yarm, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-off. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster