RECIPROCATE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reciprocate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reciprocate are requite , retaliate , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. // reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Q: When might 'requite' be a better fit than 'reciprocate'?

Although the words requite and reciprocate have much in common, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When is 'retaliate' a more appropriate choice than 'reciprocate'?

While the synonyms retaliate and reciprocate are close in meaning, retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: Where would 'return' be a reasonable alternative to 'reciprocate'?

The words return and reciprocate can be used in similar contexts, but return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

reciprocate

verb

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt

Definition of reciprocate next

as in to repay

to make a return for reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport

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How does the verb reciprocate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reciprocate are requite, retaliate, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

When might requite be a better fit than reciprocate?

Although the words requite and reciprocate have much in common, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When is retaliate a more appropriate choice than reciprocate?

While the synonyms retaliate and reciprocate are close in meaning, retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Where would return be a reasonable alternative to reciprocate?

The words return and reciprocate can be used in similar contexts, but return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Examples 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 reciprocate Your partner may not reciprocate your curiosity at first, but try not to keep score (which is another good relationship resolution), Dr. Garcia said. —

Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 That level of respect is reciprocated by us, and will continue to be reciprocated by us in the future. —

John Meyer, The Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2024 If a team is committed to a shared goal and vision, the leader should reciprocate by listening to the personal and professional goals of its members. —

Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 That sense of commitment is pivotal to a Capricorn, Kelly adds, but it must be reciprocated. —

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reciprocate