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
Republican lawmakers have long enjoyed — and reciprocated — support from pharmaceutical companies, even vowing to dismantle a law signed by President Biden that allows the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for Medicare enrollees.
—Michelle R. Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Thus, children might reciprocate in less material forms, such as through offering affection.
—Jeanette Tran, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
With such tight competition among the top AI firms, if a rival executive makes a grand claim, there is pressure to reciprocate.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024
Caught off guard in the moment, Heringer did not reciprocate.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reciprocate 
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Michelle R. Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Thus, children might reciprocate in less material forms, such as through offering affection.
—Jeanette Tran, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
With such tight competition among the top AI firms, if a rival executive makes a grand claim, there is pressure to reciprocate.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024
Caught off guard in the moment, Heringer did not reciprocate.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 11 Oct. 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 22 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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