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
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-offs
People’s concerns often reflect real trade-offs.
—
James Broughel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Consumers are making some trade-offs in other areas due to the rising cost of gas.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Like air travel, fast fashion, and so many indulgences of our era, drinking invites us to consider a gruelling litany of downsides and then decide whether the trade-offs are worth it.
—Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
There were, however, trade-offs, such as long lead times to get research into space.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
There are supposed to be trade-offs in this sport.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 11 May 2026
The trade-offs in size and speed were simply part of the equation.
—Robb Rice, Robb Report, 10 May 2026
Money becomes a reflection of priorities, trade-offs, and long-term goals.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Like many pilot programs, there are trade-offs.
—Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 6 May 2026
James Broughel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Consumers are making some trade-offs in other areas due to the rising cost of gas.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Like air travel, fast fashion, and so many indulgences of our era, drinking invites us to consider a gruelling litany of downsides and then decide whether the trade-offs are worth it.
—Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
There were, however, trade-offs, such as long lead times to get research into space.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
There are supposed to be trade-offs in this sport.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 11 May 2026
The trade-offs in size and speed were simply part of the equation.
—Robb Rice, Robb Report, 10 May 2026
Money becomes a reflection of priorities, trade-offs, and long-term goals.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Like many pilot programs, there are trade-offs.
—Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-offs
exchanges
Noun
-
The two initially make a deal where Hannah exchanges free tutoring lessons for Garrett pretending to be her boyfriend, making her crush jealous.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
To further promote the Chinese film market and domestic films and enhance exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign film professionals, the pavilion hosted various activities.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trade-offs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-offs. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
