as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another
in politics nobody does something for nothing: there's always a quid pro quo involved
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 quid pro quo
Blakey also erred in instructing the jury on the Travel Act by including as predicates state offenses that do not require a quid pro quo.
—
Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
But again, there was no quid pro quo for this apart from friendship, admiration, and love for the man.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
That's … a quid pro quo to us, an agreement that looks like has been made between Cutler and Green.
—Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
The quid pro quo of an end to Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of sanctions remained the endgame.
—Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quid pro quo
Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
But again, there was no quid pro quo for this apart from friendship, admiration, and love for the man.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
That's … a quid pro quo to us, an agreement that looks like has been made between Cutler and Green.
—Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
The quid pro quo of an end to Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of sanctions remained the endgame.
—Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quid pro quo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quid pro quo
exchange
Noun
-
When Kelli arrives to move into Shamea’s townhouse, the exchange is fraught with what feels like subliminal messages directed at Porsha.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
-
Amazon Chief Executive Andy Jassy was involved in those exchanges, one of the people said.—
Maggie Eastland,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quid pro quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quid%20pro%20quo. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
