: 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
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
Deshaun Watson connected with Hunter Renfrew from two yards out to cap a back-and-forth fourth quarter in Clemson’s 35-31 national championship game win to deny Alabama of repeating.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes, 23 Jan. 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
In that back-and-forth 2022 divisional-round game, Mahomes threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another 69 yards and a score.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
Deshaun Watson connected with Hunter Renfrew from two yards out to cap a back-and-forth fourth quarter in Clemson’s 35-31 national championship game win to deny Alabama of repeating.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes, 23 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2025.
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