trade-off

noun

ˈtrād-ˌȯf How to pronounce trade-off (audio)
Definition of trade-offnext
as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another a trade-off in which a company got a celebrity spokesperson and a fading star got some much-needed cash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 trade-off These developments, usually considered in isolation, illustrate that voters and politicians alike want things that are fundamentally incompatible but refuse to acknowledge the trade-offs. — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Is that a trade-off residents and businesses are willing to make? — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 One trade-off of making a sauna feel like a display case is that the glass surface shows fingerprints immediately. — Evan Russum, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026 Goals must be defined, trade-offs evaluated and success measured appropriately. — Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade-off
exchange
Noun
  • Under his leadership, CME transformed from a floor-trading exchange into a global derivatives giant.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Replace its electronic medical record system and improve cybersecurity, staff workflows, patient communications, and information exchange with hospitals, specialists, laboratories, and other care partners.
    — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of exchange

Browse Nearby Words

trade names
trade-off
trade-offs
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Cite this Entry

“Trade-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade-off. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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