: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Synonyms
Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence
Noun
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Adverb
The chair rocked back and forth.
The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
Step 3: Spray the Fence Spray each section of the vinyl fence with a slow back-and-forth motion, starting at the top of each fence section and working your way down.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2024
The current fighting isn’t just the usual back and forth that has characterized this largely positional war.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth 
Noun
Rogan later clarified that his comments did not equal an endorsement of Kennedy, who dropped out of the race soon after the back-and-forth.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
Step 3: Spray the Fence Spray each section of the vinyl fence with a slow back-and-forth motion, starting at the top of each fence section and working your way down.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
Adverb
Bromley’s objection triggered a back and forth with Judge Lopez, who was curious as to why MLB cared all that much in the first place.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2024
The current fighting isn’t just the usual back and forth that has characterized this largely positional war.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back-and-forth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
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