: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence
Noun
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Adverb
The chair rocked back and forth.
The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
6 July 2026
The president approved the American joint-venture divestment plan, signing an executive order in September after months of back-and-forth over the ban.
—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
6 July 2026
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The communication back and forth isn't happening.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Norway and Brazil were locked in a tense, back-and-forth game Sunday, in the round of 16, until Haaland came flying in with that header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
6 July 2026
The president approved the American joint-venture divestment plan, signing an executive order in September after months of back-and-forth over the ban.
—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
6 July 2026
Adverb
The world is watching like spectators at a tennis match, swiveling back and forth as governments and enterprises decide which side to rely on.
—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The communication back and forth isn't happening.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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