reciprocate

verb

re·​cip·​ro·​cate ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt How to pronounce reciprocate (audio)
reciprocated; reciprocating

transitive verb

1
: to give and take mutually
2
: to return in kind or degree
reciprocate a compliment gracefully

intransitive verb

1
: to make a return for something
we hope to reciprocate for your kindness
2
: to move forward and backward alternately
a reciprocating valve
reciprocator noun

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."

Choose the Right Synonym for reciprocate

reciprocate, retaliate, requite, return 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

retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call
return good for evil

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
Recent Examples on the Web The appreciation was reciprocated once Cash heard Dylan’s second record in 1963. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 After all, a fan’s dedication isn’t always reciprocated. Steven Leckart, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Three years later, the United States reciprocated by sending flowering dogwood trees to Japan. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Modeling Vulnerability Demonstrating vulnerability can be a powerful way to encourage others to reciprocate. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 And when the United States imposes tariffs, the targeted country almost always reciprocates. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 But when deterrence is needed against a determined and capable rival, assurances that are not reciprocated can quickly become concessions. Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 But true gifts, as Hyde would point out, are never returned or reciprocated, only replenished. Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2024 The authors also differentiate playful teasing, which is one-sided, from play, where both apes reciprocate. Jack Guy, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reciprocate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see reciprocal entry 1

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of reciprocate was in 1607

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Dictionary Entries Near reciprocate

Cite this Entry

“Reciprocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reciprocate

verb
re·​cip·​ro·​cate ri-ˈsip-rə-ˌkāt How to pronounce reciprocate (audio)
reciprocated; reciprocating
1
: to give and take mutually : exchange
2
: to make a return for something
reciprocate a favor
reciprocation
ri-ˌsip-rə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reciprocate

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