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.

On Thursday, US Vice-President JD Vance said negotiators were "going back and forth on a couple of language points", which include the "question of enrichment".

From BBC • May 29, 2026

I go back and forth between New York City and the Hudson Valley a lot.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

People arriving at the airport now can watch as the empty trains shuttle impotently back and forth.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Of note, it’s a cheap, quick flight back and forth from Reagan airport to Manchester.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Cat would be sobbing, her tiny face blotched, and her mother rocking back and forth outside, both of them with nowhere to go.

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

back and forth

Example Sentences

Related Words