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
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Recent Examples of back-and-forth
During debate prep for the 2024 campaign, Miller found himself in a contentious back-and-forth over immigration with a more moderate Trump ally.
—
Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
The back-and-forth with vendors is something Saks Global has had to deal with repeatedly over the past year — writing letters to brands, calming nerves with reassuring phone calls, trying to temper the cocktail party rumor circuit and in the courts.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
The commitment followed a flurry of back-and-forth discourse as Sorsby visited both Texas Tech and LSU.
—Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
After a brutal first quarter that allowed the Hornets to build a 14-point lead, the Bucks (15-20) were forced to play from behind for most of the game and outscored the Hornets 35-30 in the fourth quarter to earn the win in the back-and-forth affair.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forth
Noun
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The House Oversight Committee’s first hearing on the Minnesota fraud scandal was complete with lawmakers pointing fingers and exchanging barbs in heated exchanges.—
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His son looks just as focused, especially after the two exchange words.—
Noun
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In the past two decades, much of the often spirited discussion has centered on Michael Jordan and four-time league MVP LeBron James.—
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As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.—
Noun
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Though Andrea — initially convicted of capital murder — was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental health facility, debate over what drove her actions continues to this day.—
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The 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, renewing the long-running debate over the league’s greatest player.—
Noun
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As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
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The Oscar-winning actor attributed much of his weight-loss transformation to completely removing gluten, a protein found naturally in grains including wheat, rye and barley, from his diet with the consultation of his doctor.—
Noun
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Ben Jones 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.—
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The Department of Children and Families has received more than 300 reports of child trafficking in the past two years and completed more than 350 consults.—
Noun
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In a conversation last season, Barkley said his top five running backs of all time were Barry Sanders, Faulk, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, and Adrian Peterson.—
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The conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.—
Noun
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Instead, young Toby gravitated toward working with his hands, continuing the creative dialogue his parents had begun long before him.—
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The duo maintains an ongoing dialogue in an attempt to build trust and have open communication lines.—
Noun
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Try to plan your visit during the Dark Sky Festival, held annually in the late winter or early spring, to meet up with fellow stargazing enthusiasts and hear astronomy talks by park rangers.—
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Beyond money, other issues expected to be hammered out in CBA talks include the length of the season, facility and travel standards, retirement benefits and changes to rookie deals.—
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forth. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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