as in exchanges
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another
a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash
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 trade-offs
While the smaller size and light weight come with trade-offs, TiStove still looks like an interesting option for those who prefer traveling ultralight while still being able to cook more sophisticated meals in the outdoors.
—
Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026
Most of the real solutions to the affordability problem, such as building more housing and reforming the health-care system, would require years of sustained effort, large investments, and hard political trade-offs.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
That said, your craving for quiet could conflict with a task request, so some trade-offs might be necessary.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
While condensing your mortgage term may result in larger monthly payments, the interest savings and the ability to become debt-free much sooner could be worthy trade-offs.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
People need straightforward talk about trade-offs — between price stability and employment, between protecting savers and stimulating growth.
—Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Of course, there are trade-offs to expect on vessels with top-of-class ice classifications.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026
That makes the distinctive human ability to interpret context, weigh trade-offs, understand stakeholder impacts, and question outputs even more valuable.
—Carolyn Dewar, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
Acknowledge constraints and trade-offs.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026
Most of the real solutions to the affordability problem, such as building more housing and reforming the health-care system, would require years of sustained effort, large investments, and hard political trade-offs.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
That said, your craving for quiet could conflict with a task request, so some trade-offs might be necessary.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
While condensing your mortgage term may result in larger monthly payments, the interest savings and the ability to become debt-free much sooner could be worthy trade-offs.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
People need straightforward talk about trade-offs — between price stability and employment, between protecting savers and stimulating growth.
—Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Of course, there are trade-offs to expect on vessels with top-of-class ice classifications.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026
That makes the distinctive human ability to interpret context, weigh trade-offs, understand stakeholder impacts, and question outputs even more valuable.
—Carolyn Dewar, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
Acknowledge constraints and trade-offs.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-offs
exchanges
Noun
-
Wasserman’s appearance in the Epstein files document dump, despite the consensual nature of his exchanges with Maxwell, has set off a firestorm among some of the clients represented by Wasserman’s sports, marketing and entertainment units.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The challenge will be in creating an exit ramp for President Xi Jinping of China to shift course so that normal diplomatic exchanges and channels of communication can be revived.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trade-offs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-offs. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
