Thesaurus results for GIVE-AND-TAKE

give-and-take

noun

ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk

Definition of give-and-take

as in discussion

an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue a give-and-take about what we should do Saturday night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in negotiation

the act or practice of each side giving up something in order to reach an agreement negotiating the terms of the deal will require some give-and-take on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in banter

good-natured teasing or exchanging of clever remarks enjoyed the flirty give-and-take between the two romantic lead characters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of give-and-take That give-and-take without keeping score keeps the relationship strong. — Amy Morin, CNBC, 19 July 2026 In a strategic give-and-take, North Korea reaffirmed its support of China over the Taiwan issue, Ban said. — ABC News, 9 June 2026 This is the give in the give-and-take relationship between DOJ and its online audience. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 There’s a give-and-take, and some parts of the deal turn out to be better or worse than expected. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for give-and-take

Recent Examples of Synonyms for give-and-take

Noun

It could be put on the Faculty Senate's agenda for discussion as soon as next week, several professors said in interviews.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Jackson used a portion of his rebuttal to try and refocus the discussion on Collins.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of discussion

Noun

On the second day of mediation, the firms engage in negotiations.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
The two countries have been mired in deadlocked trade negotiations, have sparred over the US threatening sanctions over India’s purchase of oil from Russia, and are now at loggerheads over immigration.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of negotiation

Noun

With recent polls showing Raman in the lead, the councilmember will likely try to avoid making any kind of flub during the in-studio debate hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo52 in Universal City.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
In July, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham brought the debate to the WNBA, telling ESPN trans women shouldn’t be allowed to play in the league.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

Both the House and Senate passed different aviation safety bills, but lawmakers are still working on a compromise piece of legislation to bring up for a vote in both houses of Congress.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Bedsure PureWoven Embroidered Quilt Anyone who’s anti-comforter can find a happy compromise in this cotton quilt, which is available in a dozen different colors to complement your bedroom’s color palette.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of compromise

Noun

The speed and clarity with which Cruise delivers that monologue extends to his interactions with his co-stars in scenes that recall the whip-smart comedies of Preston Sturges in their fast badinage.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Left on their own, boisterous badinage between old school British thespian Shaw and giggly, hyper-ventilating wannabe movie star Dreyfuss has taken hold.

— Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

Definition of badinage

Noun

If a recurring problem cannot be resolved simply by adjusting sprinkler heads, consultation with qualified irrigation or landscaping professionals may help identify and implement a permanent solution.

— Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Courtesy of Heineken, 2026 Caton declined to say how many European jobs will go, citing ongoing consultation with staff and the European Works Council.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of consultation

Noun

Fitoussi said the project began almost as a joke, with the idea of casting one of France’s busiest actors as someone who never gets to act.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
This set off a series of jokes between Meriwether and the cast, along with confirmation that there are no real plans for a reunion at this time.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of joke

Browse Nearby Words

give air to

give-and-take

give-and-takes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Give-and-take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give-and-take. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of give-and-take

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nexus

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes