give-and-take

noun

1
: the practice of making mutual concessions : compromise
2
: a usually good-natured exchange (as of ideas or comments)

Examples of give-and-take in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But perhaps nothing prepares a candidate better for the give-and-take nature of the TBD than practicing in a group, such as those organized by a professional admissions consultant. Dr. Marlena Corcoran, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 That falls more into the tradition of domestic marital comedy, post-union, with its hints of amiable friction and give-and-take after years together. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 In recent history, the give-and-take between gains in productivity and increases in worker pay has been uneven. Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024 That doesn’t always happen at South Florida theaters, but the give-and-take with the actor-singers does make a difference. Christine Dolen, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2024 The key was to insure some give-and-take before students were called to defend an opinion. Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2024 Cruz has been inspired by them during the give-and-take of rehearsals, and vice versa. Christine Dolen, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2024 The give-and-take spirit of Me Time chats helped another student feel less isolated in their mental health struggles. Elizabeth Svoboda, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2023 There's a give-and-take to this—this Dad no doubt works long hours outside the home. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'give-and-take.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of give-and-take was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near give-and-take

Cite this Entry

“Give-and-take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give-and-take. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

give-and-take

noun
ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk
1
: the practice of all sides in a dispute settling for less than they want : compromise
2
: a good-natured exchange of ideas
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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