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.

My son spends the most money on train tickets to travel back and forth to school.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

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

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

The valets in the lobby summon golf carts with a flick of the wrist, graciously driving me back and forth from the parking lot.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

I worried it around in my head, back and forth like a cat chasing a mouse in the field.

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

back and forth

Example Sentences

Related Words