reciprocate
verb
re·cip·ro·cate
ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt 
reciprocated; reciprocating
1
: to give and take mutually
2
: to return in kind or degree
reciprocate a compliment gracefully
1
: to make a return for something
we hope to reciprocate for your kindness
2
: to move forward and backward alternately
a reciprocating valve
Did you know?
Reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received (as in "We appreciate you hosting us and we will reciprocate you for your kindness"). The word comes from Latin reciprocus, meaning "returning the same way."
Examples of reciprocate in a Sentence
Individuals who have received a dedication … are expected to reciprocate with a gift, perhaps placing a few folded notes of money into the hat when they give it back.
—
A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999
When he entered the room … Agnes was conscious of a latent feeling which secretly reciprocated Henry's unconcealed pleasure on meeting her again.
—Wilkie Collins, The Haunted Hotel, 1878
Thus expressing himself, the little lawyer gave Mr. Winkle a poke in the chest, which that gentleman reciprocated; after which they both laughed very loudly …
—Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1837
They appreciated her kindness but were not ready to reciprocate the gesture.
reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport
A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999
When he entered the room … Agnes was conscious of a latent feeling which secretly reciprocated Henry's unconcealed pleasure on meeting her again.
—Wilkie Collins, The Haunted Hotel, 1878
Thus expressing himself, the little lawyer gave Mr. Winkle a poke in the chest, which that gentleman reciprocated; after which they both laughed very loudly …
—Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1837
They appreciated her kindness but were not ready to reciprocate the gesture.
reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport
Recent Examples on the Web
But if the other person does reciprocate by sharing a bit of their dessert, for instance, your next investment might be larger.
—Sebastian Stockmaier, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
If both partners keep reciprocating and raising the stakes, the relationship will eventually escalate to food sharing, which is a bigger commitment.
—Sebastian Stockmaier, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024
This creates a sense of camaraderie and community across the panel and will likely be reciprocated by your co-panelists.
—Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
John reciprocated with information on AFC North teams.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reciprocate 
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Sebastian Stockmaier, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
If both partners keep reciprocating and raising the stakes, the relationship will eventually escalate to food sharing, which is a bigger commitment.
—Sebastian Stockmaier, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024
This creates a sense of camaraderie and community across the panel and will likely be reciprocated by your co-panelists.
—Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
John reciprocated with information on AFC North teams.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reciprocate
Dictionary Entries Near reciprocate
Cite this Entry
“Reciprocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reciprocate
verb
re·cip·ro·cate
ri-ˈsip-rə-ˌkāt
reciprocated; reciprocating
1
: to give and take mutually : exchange
2
: to make a return for something
reciprocate a favor
reciprocation
noun
ri-ˌsip-rə-ˈkā-shən
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