: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
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
Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
The sharp back-and-forth between two of the world’s most powerful right-wing figures marked a stunning unraveling of their once unshakable political alliance.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Throughout the back and forth, Mr. Trump continued to defend the budget bill Musk opposes.
—June 6, CBS News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
Tuesday’s vote comes after years of back-and-forth over whether retail pet sales should be allowed in the county.
—Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
The sharp back-and-forth between two of the world’s most powerful right-wing figures marked a stunning unraveling of their once unshakable political alliance.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Adverb
The game was somewhat back and forth, with the Rays taking and losing a 4-0 lead, going up 6-4, falling behind 10-6, then getting even with three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh.
—Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Throughout the back and forth, Mr. Trump continued to defend the budget bill Musk opposes.
—June 6, CBS News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 12 Jun. 2025.
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