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
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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
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Recent Examples of back-and-forths
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
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
-
Only during the last months of the war, with slavery disintegrating and northern victory all but assured, did exchanges resume.—
Drew Gilpin Faust,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Kimbal Musk, a Boulder restaurateur and Elon Musk’s brother, was referenced scores of times, including in email exchanges with Epstein and his friends about women and parties.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the fatalities have occurred along the Central Coast and in Northern California, the phenomenon has prompted concerns and discussions among mycological societies and amateur foragers across the Golden State.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Two years ago, PURA launched the Stakeholder Group Compensation Program, which helps families and small businesses join discussions at PURA.—
Kendall Keelen,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The same rule that bans smoking and the use of cell phones during debates, among other things, also bars the display of slogans, banners or plaques.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Legal closure, unresolved debates With the misdemeanor plea now entered, Kamau avoids a felony conviction and the uncertainty of a jury trial.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The company offers free consultations and publishes educational resources addressing common tax-debt questions.—
Deane Biermeier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Costs vary based on the complexity of the case, but most reputable firms offer consultations and flexible payment plans.—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone
February 10,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those close calls spurred hard conversations after the ’05 disappointment.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
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This is when conversations about the area began to evolve, leading to more multifaceted developments created with the community in mind, according to Hill.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Aside from a prisoner exchange, little, if any, progress was made in the talks.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Shein says Iran may be stalling diplomatically to see whether Washington limits talks to nuclear issues while avoiding missile constraints.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As an industry analyst, author Bob O’Donnell works and consults with a wide range of tech companies, including T-Mobile.—
Bob O'Donnell,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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Guests are able to arrange consults with local amchi—traditional Bhutanese doctors—and resident practitioners will lead mindfulness and breathwork sessions.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back-and-forths. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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