Thesaurus results for BACK-AND-FORTH

back-and-forth

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth

Definition of back-and-forth

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

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 Canada has responded with reciprocal bans and its own import levies, and the back-and-forth could raise prices for Alaska consumers. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Buffalo outlasted Los Angeles in a back-and-forth affair featuring numerous twists, turns, touchdowns, turnovers and game-changing plays. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Typically, when embroiled in these sorts of escalating back-and-forths, Larry’s go-to move was the quit-and-storm-off. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 The pushback comes amid a continuing back-and-forth in recent months between Sacramento City Unified, the county education office and the state education department on how best to address the district’s dire financial situation. — Chaewon Chung updated October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth

Noun

Russia received 25 bodies of Russian soldiers, Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev, a member of a parliamentary coordination group overseeing the exchanges, told RBC news outlet.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
He was ejected from a Chicago Sky game in August following a verbal exchange with guard Natasha Cloud and was later banned from the team’s arena.

— Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of exchange

Noun

At least two federal bills to regulate AI in politics are pending discussion and approval by lawmakers.

— Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
SpaceX is attempting to build the fourth nationwide wireless carrier by combining its Starlink direct-to-device network with ground infrastructure, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with discussions.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of discussion

Noun

Essential California asked the bishop about his letter and the church’s role in the immigration debate while checking in with a couple of Catholic scholars who offered their perspectives.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
This seems like a perfectly reasonable debate/dialogue/deliberation to have without everybody--well, most bodies--running for the exits.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

The European Commission opened a public consultation on circular VAT in September of this year.

— Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of consultation

Noun

Danielle Friedman 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.

— Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Expect more brands to pair products with questionnaires, telehealth consults or at-home test kits.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of consult

Noun

In the conversation, Griffin asked the person to use that influence to deny admission to Rosman’s children, the person with direct knowledge of their conversation said.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
If restless nights are a pattern, a conversation with your doctor may matter more than what sits in your snack bowl.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of conversation

Noun

The four countries agreed Monday to continue talks on expanding cooperation among them, particularly about regional peace and security, a statement said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Those talks collapsed over price and worries about antitrust pushback, neither of which hold true today.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of talk

Browse Nearby Words

backaches

back-and-forth

back-and-forths

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of back-and-forth

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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