back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth 

: discussion sense 1, give-and-take

also : exchange sense 1

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: backward and forward

also : between two places or persons

Synonyms

Noun

• barter
• commutation
• dicker
• exchange
• quid pro quo
• swap
• trade
• trade-off
• truck

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

Noun

After the early back-and-forth, the matchup quickly evolved into a defensive battle as both teams went scoreless for more than three minutes late in the first. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025

Jabo said the height limitation is an example of the considerable scrutiny and back-and-forth the applicant will receive for its proposals. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025

Adverb

There was a lot of tonal discussion and back and forth. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025

Rebecca Morin Trump undeterred amid tariff backlash U.S. stocks are swinging back and forth as people brace for growing inflation and a possible recession. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back-and-forth

• fourth
• henceforth
• thenceforth