to and fro

[too-uhn-froh] / ˈtu ənˈfroʊ /

ADJECTIVE

back and forth

Synonyms

WEAK

backward and forward backwards and forwards forward and back from side to side here and there in and out off and on seesaw up and down zigzag

NOUN

hesitation

Synonyms

WEAK

averseness dawdling delay delaying demurral doubt dubiety equivocation faltering fluctuation fumbling hemming and hawing hesitancy indecision indecisiveness indisposition irresoluteness irresolution misgiving mistrust oscillation pause procrastination qualm reluctance scruple shilly-shally skepticism stammering stumbling stuttering tentativeness timidity timidness unwillingness vacillation wavering

to-and-fro

NOUN

hesitation

Synonyms

WEAK

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.

Imagine if you’re a nominee, getting shuttled to and fro, shaking hands and making small talk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

The autumn operation exposed flaws too: The land couldn’t accommodate all the vehicles, said Lemmermann, and it consisted of noncontiguous plots, forcing Rheinmetall to bus soldiers to and fro.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Thankfully, after a bit of to and fro, they did let a few broadcast cameras in so we could watch outside and you could watch too, if you chose to.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

Shelters have been opened for those displaced from their homes, and helicopters were flying to and fro to bring essentials to people cut off from the rest of the world.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

He rocked to and fro in the chair.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

to and fro

Example Sentences

Related Words