as in exchanges
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
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Recent Examples of trade-offs
The government shows no willingness to confront voters with the fiscal trade-offs that come with higher spending.
—
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 15 Mar. 2026
Most good people, who manage these trade-offs with compassion and skill, are creatures of fragile equilibria.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Treatment itself also introduces difficult trade-offs.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026
The job comes with real trade-offs.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Each approach comes with its own advantages and trade-offs.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
That includes addressing memory changes, balance problems, complex medication regimens and the difficult trade-offs that often come with complicated medical decisions.
—Jerry Gurwitz, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
When households have to pay more, that can mean making difficult trade-offs, Flores said.
—Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
The document notes the audit could improve user well-being, but said teams should consider possible trade-offs including a loss of engagement.
—Cnn, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 15 Mar. 2026
Most good people, who manage these trade-offs with compassion and skill, are creatures of fragile equilibria.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Treatment itself also introduces difficult trade-offs.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026
The job comes with real trade-offs.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Each approach comes with its own advantages and trade-offs.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
That includes addressing memory changes, balance problems, complex medication regimens and the difficult trade-offs that often come with complicated medical decisions.
—Jerry Gurwitz, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
When households have to pay more, that can mean making difficult trade-offs, Flores said.
—Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
The document notes the audit could improve user well-being, but said teams should consider possible trade-offs including a loss of engagement.
—Cnn, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-offs
exchanges
Noun
-
Missile exchanges have jarred with the spirit of the holidays underway across the region.—
Siham Shamalakh,
Washington Post,
22 Mar. 2026
-
No exchanges of fire were reported, marking the first lull since late February, when clashes erupted.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trade-offs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-offs. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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