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
Takaichi has promised to be a resolute leader, but will need to learn the art of compromise while juggling priorities and trade-offs on domestic policies.
—
Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
On the broader question of how model makers should approach deployment, Kass argued that the trade-offs of releasing powerful technology early are worth it.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
The design carries trade-offs that matter for mass production.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
During today’s announcement, Kennedy at least acknowledged the trade-offs inherent in scaring pregnant Americans off Tylenol, and allowed that, sometimes, using it is unavoidable.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2025
These advantages come with some significant trade-offs, though, as the Gym Monster 2’s presentation and overall experience feel rougher and more stripped-down than Tonal's.
—PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
But this isn't a silver bullet, and there are some important trade-offs to weigh.
—Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2025
But consolidation should be considered carefully, ideally with an advisor, because there may be trade-offs in protections or access.
—Larry Light, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In high-stakes situations where there’s no clear playbook, leaders regularly face tough choices with steep trade-offs.
—Robert Glazer, Harvard Business Review, 19 Sep. 2025
Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
On the broader question of how model makers should approach deployment, Kass argued that the trade-offs of releasing powerful technology early are worth it.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
The design carries trade-offs that matter for mass production.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
During today’s announcement, Kennedy at least acknowledged the trade-offs inherent in scaring pregnant Americans off Tylenol, and allowed that, sometimes, using it is unavoidable.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2025
These advantages come with some significant trade-offs, though, as the Gym Monster 2’s presentation and overall experience feel rougher and more stripped-down than Tonal's.
—PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
But this isn't a silver bullet, and there are some important trade-offs to weigh.
—Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2025
But consolidation should be considered carefully, ideally with an advisor, because there may be trade-offs in protections or access.
—Larry Light, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In high-stakes situations where there’s no clear playbook, leaders regularly face tough choices with steep trade-offs.
—Robert Glazer, Harvard Business Review, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-offs
exchanges
Noun
-
The exchanges have included headline-making ripostes from Christian Pulisic and his entourage.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout its journey through Scorpio, Mercury will interact with several planets, which will continue to influence our conversations and exchanges.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Trade-offs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-offs. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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