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
So was the back-and-forth between the Norwegian golfer and Scheffler, who briefly flirted with a 59 on Friday.
—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
The developments mark the latest in a series of back-and-forth strikes centered around the strait, casting uncertainty over the US-Iran agreement signed earlier this month which stipulates the gradual restoration of normal marine traffic.
—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Russia has still not managed to take the much smaller surrounding towns of Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, where back-and-forth assaults have been raging for years.
—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
27 June 2026
Lawyers manage the back-and-forth, handle submissions, and sort through policy language that’s deliberately dense.
—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
The developments mark the latest in a series of back-and-forth strikes centered around the strait, casting uncertainty over the US-Iran agreement signed earlier this month which stipulates the gradual restoration of normal marine traffic.
—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Russia has still not managed to take the much smaller surrounding towns of Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, where back-and-forth assaults have been raging for years.
—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
27 June 2026
Lawyers manage the back-and-forth, handle submissions, and sort through policy language that’s deliberately dense.
—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
-
In January 2015, Shirley agreed to a plea deal in exchange for testifying against the Leonard brothers.
-
The resulting arguments, trolling and nasty exchanges can signal to the algorithm that the content is engaging, prompting it to show those posts to even more people who are likely to react and further amplify the conversation.
Noun
-
During Thursday evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting, officials unanimously, and with no additional discussion, approved Johnston’s exit agreement and named Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze as his replacement for the rest of the year.
-
Immediately, the call sparked online debate and discussion that will surely continue into next week.
Noun
-
And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
-
But most companies run scenario-planning exercises, only to rehearse their debates about what to do once a crisis hits.
Noun
-
The agency made the changes without the customary professional consultations, KFF has reported.
-
His expensive and ambitious campaign has been conducted with little congressional consultation or oversight, shaped entirely by one man.
Noun
-
Emma Fenske 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.
-
Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.
Noun
-
While size representation edged upward on paper, conversations throughout the season were dominated by the return of extreme body ideals, which don’t necessarily show up in our data.
-
That could shift the NATO conversation from how the alliance helps Ukraine to how Ukraine helps NATO prepare for modern war.
Noun
-
In his letter, Leo repeated the Vatican's offer of dialogue and said that going through with the consecrations would be counterproductive for the SSPX faithful.
-
Because Jenkin films on grainy 16mm and overdubs his actors’ dialogue, said Tim Grierson in the Los Angeles Times, his movies have a disorienting effect.
Noun
-
The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
-
Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
