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

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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 Of course, there are some trade-offs. Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 That’s the trade-off at every level of the baseball industry. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 May 2026 This trade-off means refined product prices can face stronger upward pressure than crude oil itself. CNBC, 12 May 2026 The trade-offs in size and speed were simply part of the equation. Robb Rice, Robb Report, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-off
exchange
Noun
  • Cloud was assessed a technical foul in the immediate moments after Jackson’s injury for an exchange with the officiating crew.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Moore tried the exchange a few more times, in different tones—more acidic, more surprised, more chaotic.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-off. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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