back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth How to pronounce back-and-forth (audio)
Synonyms of back-and-forth
: 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 of back-and-forth

Relevance

Noun

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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
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.
Noun
Yamamoto’s early exit put the onus on the Dodgers’ bullpen in a back-and-forth contest. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Typically, when embroiled in these sorts of escalating back-and-forths, Larry’s go-to move was the quit-and-storm-off. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Adverb
In non-linear fashion, Sorkin’s scenario darts back and forth between 2018, ’19, ’20 and ’21, offering a puzzle that eventually will come all together. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 After a summer of back and forth with its staff over strikes, pay and working conditions, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is launching a voluntary exit scheme as part of its strategy for 2026 through 2030. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-and-forth was in 1613

Rhymes for back-and-forth

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Browse Nearby Words

back and fill
back-and-forth
back and forth
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Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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