as in exchange
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
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Recent Examples of trade-off
This activity builds on feasibility studies and technology trade-offs carried out at IQM, which identified the most promising concepts for cathodeless EP operation in reactive, oxygen-rich environments.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
For families earning below that level, stretching into homeownership may mean tighter budgets elsewhere — a trade-off many households make, but one worth calculating carefully before signing on a mortgage.
—System Process, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
For people in the 62-to-70 age range, this trade-off is particularly important.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The workshop will have interactive stations where attendees can share their preferences and provide input on priorities and trade-offs for plans for the site, according to the city.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
For families earning below that level, stretching into homeownership may mean tighter budgets elsewhere — a trade-off many households make, but one worth calculating carefully before signing on a mortgage.
—System Process, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
For people in the 62-to-70 age range, this trade-off is particularly important.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The workshop will have interactive stations where attendees can share their preferences and provide input on priorities and trade-offs for plans for the site, according to the city.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-off
exchange
Noun
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October 23 – November 21 This morning favors calm, thoughtful exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
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According to documents from both cases, the relationship began with texting and the exchange of music from playlists.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-off. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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