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

The noise cancellation could be better, but the trade-off is a sick-looking pair of earbuds. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

And airlines would argue that these changes helped keep basic fares cheaper, but the trade-off is that passengers have way less space. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 22 July 2026

The trade-offs, sugar, calories and missing fiber The case against juice usually starts with what gets left behind during processing. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026

Their views depend on the issue, the framing of policy proposals – for example, whether it is presented as a tax or an incentive, a regulation or a technology investment – and the trade-offs involved. — Mayank Kejriwal, The Conversation, 21 July 2026