back and forth

[bak-uhn-fawrth, -fohrth, -uhnd-] / ˈbæk ənˈfɔrθ, -ˈfoʊrθ, -ənd- /

ADVERB

backward and forward

Synonyms

WEAK

alternating backwards and forwards from pillar to post from side to side in and out seesaw to and fro up and down vacillating

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The driverless trucks perform best when they shuttle back and forth in repetitive trips—for instance, a 14-mile trip between a Gatorade bottling plant and storage facility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Our homes are 20 miles apart, and he still drives back and forth almost daily.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

During his trip to Scotland the couple had been texting back and forth with day-long gaps due to the time difference.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“We’re going back and forth on a couple of language points.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

I leaned over and sang to him as I rocked him back and forth.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

back and forth

Example Sentences

Related Words