reciprocate

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

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Cite this Entry

“Reciprocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reciprocate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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