mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyü-chə-wəl 
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: directed by each toward the other or the others
mutual affection
b
: having the same feelings one for the other
they had long been mutual enemies
c
: shared in common
enjoying their mutual hobby
d
: joint
to their mutual advantage
2
: characterized by intimacy
mutual contacts
3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically
: of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of mutual in a Sentence
Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage.
The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding.
countries relying on mutual support during difficult times
our mutual hobby of car racing
It was a mutual effort.
We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.
Recent Examples on the Web
Collaboration is built on the foundation of mutual exchange—sharing ideas, resources, and efforts to create something greater than what each party could achieve alone.
—
Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension.
—Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Similarly, all of my conversations with voters began with mutual condolences about the ongoing loss of water and electricity.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Amidst the reunions between participants, new friendships forged, and priceless knowledge gained was an air of compassion, self-acceptance, and mutual support.
—Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutual 
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Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension.
—Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Similarly, all of my conversations with voters began with mutual condolences about the ongoing loss of water and electricity.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Amidst the reunions between participants, new friendships forged, and priceless knowledge gained was an air of compassion, self-acceptance, and mutual support.
—Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutual
Dictionary Entries Near mutual
Cite this Entry
“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb
-ē
Legal Definition
mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyü-chə-wəl
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence cases—L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Code3
: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
specifically
: of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
mutually
adverb
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