1
as in exchanges
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 discussions
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-forths
With each witness, Guillard — in her role as her own attorney — challenged their testimony in sometimes testy back-and-forths that had to be refereed by the judge and court staff.
—
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Kelce and Nicole, 34, broke up multiple times throughout their five years together, and made several public comments and back-and-forths about each other on social media and in interviews over the years.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Given the awkward back-and-forths seen thus far and, even more so, Robinson’s history playing poor communicators, the description is hard to believe.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
The rapper and boxer have had social media back-and-forths with Remy on several occasions due to the situation.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
But unlike some of the classic back-and-forths of the past Probst would have during challenges with folks like Penner and Parvati Shallow, Survivor 49 will also air interactions that take place on both sides of the contests.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans and Democrats engaged in many back-and-forths during the hearing on Wednesday that began in the morning and is expected to last into the evening.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Our back-and-forths with a chatbot, in turn, exteriorize our private, internal dialogues, which some consider constitutive of thought itself.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Kelce and Nicole, 34, broke up multiple times throughout their five years together, and made several public comments and back-and-forths about each other on social media and in interviews over the years.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Given the awkward back-and-forths seen thus far and, even more so, Robinson’s history playing poor communicators, the description is hard to believe.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
The rapper and boxer have had social media back-and-forths with Remy on several occasions due to the situation.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
But unlike some of the classic back-and-forths of the past Probst would have during challenges with folks like Penner and Parvati Shallow, Survivor 49 will also air interactions that take place on both sides of the contests.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans and Democrats engaged in many back-and-forths during the hearing on Wednesday that began in the morning and is expected to last into the evening.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Our back-and-forths with a chatbot, in turn, exteriorize our private, internal dialogues, which some consider constitutive of thought itself.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back-and-forths
Noun
-
October 23 – November 21 This morning favors calm, thoughtful exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Crypto exchanges Coinbase and Bullish, as well as miners Mara Holdings and Riot Platforms, are also in the top of corporate bitcoin holders.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Mayor John Laesch said that, although discussions are still in their early stages, the property owner has seemed interested in working with the city or a nonprofit to get the sign lit back up, and also possibly donating the sign to the city.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
European defense officials are also in advanced discussions to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz once the war ends, sources told the New York Times.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These are sacred debates reflecting the unfinished work of liberation.—
Jesse Jackson Jr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
There may be some debates, election posturing and shenanigans along the way.—
Staff reports,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Florida Injury Advocate offers free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, helping make qualified legal representation more accessible to individuals in the South Florida community, regardless of their financial situation.—
Anton Lucanus
April 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Therapy can be done via telehealth, as can consultations that, technically, consist of only a conversation.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Mercury in your 10th House of Career trines blessed Jupiter in your 2nd House of Analytics, so conversations can lift your income or unlock other support.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Per the complaint, Gay admitted to engaging in text and Reddit conversations with the undercover account after being read his Miranda rights.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Since contract talks began in November 2024, Wells Fargo said, its has spent more than 140 days at the negotiating table with union representatives at various branches.—
Chase Jordan
April 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban governments have resumed peace talks in China, Pakistani officials tell AP.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Gingrich 360 consults with various companies in the health care industry that would be affected by health care transparency reforms.—
Bobby Jindal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The position consults with medical, social work, rehabilitation, education, nursing, custody and other personnel regarding program planning and evaluation and the development of direct and indirect services — with medical and other clinical consultation as necessary.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
