: 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
Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Yet the across-the-board tariffs President Trump threatens to impose in one month take no account of this back-and-forth integration.
—Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Feb. 2025
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025
Prepare to be sent back and forth while Mercury is in Aquarius.
—USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth 
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Noun
The back-and-forth between Ye and Lemon ignited before the award show began on Sunday, as Censori walked the red carpet and removed her black fur coat to reveal a see-through mini dress.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Yet the across-the-board tariffs President Trump threatens to impose in one month take no account of this back-and-forth integration.
—Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Wave ripples—the undulating lines in sandy shores that form when the wind pushes shallow water back and forth—are a common sight on Earth’s lakes and beaches.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025
Prepare to be sent back and forth while Mercury is in Aquarius.
—USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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 9 Feb. 2025.
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