1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
a give-and-take about what we should do Saturday night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in negotiation
the act or practice of each side giving up something in order to reach an agreement
negotiating the terms of the deal will require some give-and-take on both sides
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in banter
good-natured teasing or exchanging of clever remarks
enjoyed the flirty give-and-take between the two romantic lead characters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of give-and-take
For any deal to be signed into law, however, will require a give-and-take that Democrats might find difficult to swallow.
—
David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
His offensive approach, though, has been a give-and-take.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
After going to work for Edgar, the popular, two-term chief executive from 1991 to 1999 who died in September, Egler didn’t shy away from engaging in give-and-take with reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Natanya’s performance suggests the strain from two competing personalities underneath the relationship’s give-and-take.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for give-and-take
David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
His offensive approach, though, has been a give-and-take.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
After going to work for Edgar, the popular, two-term chief executive from 1991 to 1999 who died in September, Egler didn’t shy away from engaging in give-and-take with reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Natanya’s performance suggests the strain from two competing personalities underneath the relationship’s give-and-take.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for give-and-take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for give-and-take
Noun
-
Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
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Through both press conferences and private discussions, a number of topics are broached including public safety, but Dumont casts them aside.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nonetheless, a second round of negotiations will be held on Tuesday in Geneva, according to multiple reports.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
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The Danish territory got no mentions in the speech, as negotiations over its fate proceed slowly.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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What seemed like banter becomes character revelation.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2026
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For Conan O’Brien, an old hand whose podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a big player in the field, witty banter and appropriately leading queries come naturally; O’Brien also has plenty of pals on, but has a knack for turning their back-and-forth into a deeper examination of their friendship.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But whether our collective desire has been sated is up for (a lot of) debate.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Berlinale has long been considered a forum for political expression and a crucible for debate about important world affairs, but avoiding political comment has seemingly been a trend at this year’s event, whether by chance, design or out of fear.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, Epson’s answer is that this isn’t a shortcut or a compromise.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Feb. 2026
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Putting an arena — even a world-class one — atop the nation’s busiest train station required numerous compromises.—
Robert Yaro,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The action flows, the badinage is fast and fun.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Each bus has a pair of hosts, whose badinage is corny but crowd-pleasing.—
Patricia Marx,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
Noun
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Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The rhinoplasty process begins with a detailed consultation.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Talk about the weather, add some jokes in there about some of the guys on the team and just stuff like that.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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The event, held at the Montana Hotel in Pétion-Ville, was the butt of jokes on social media amid questions over the group’s authority to act.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Give-and-take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give-and-take. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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