give-and-take

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.

There’s a lesson there, though, in the never-ending give and take between popular folk and commercial pop music.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

“D-I-V-O-R-C-E, you know — it’s always give and take to meet each other’s needs,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2025

“He’s got gas and nuclear and renewables. To understand the give and take of all of those things” is particularly valuable, he adds.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

Both Qualley and Plaza are totally game, and they both give and take in equal measure, basking in their characters’ pleasure rather than trying to woo the audience.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 2025

He had a tightrope walker’s feel for the land beneath him—its surface tension, the give and take of things.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien