mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

-chəl,

-chü-əl;

ˈmyüch-wəl

1

a

: directed by each toward the other or the others

mutual affection

b

: having the same feelings one for the other

they had long been mutual enemies

c

: shared in common

enjoying their mutual hobby

d

: joint

to their mutual advantage

2

: characterized by intimacy

mutual contacts

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb

Synonyms

• collaborative
• collective
• combined
• common
• communal
• concerted
• conjoint
• conjunct
• cooperative
• joint
• multiple
• pooled
• public
• shared
• united

Example Sentences

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage.

The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding.

countries relying on mutual support during difficult times

our mutual hobby of car racing

It was a mutual effort.

We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.

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Recent Examples on the Web

They are also reportedly joined by their mutual friend Jack Antonoff. —Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 May 2023

After meeting Gitchel, 46, at a warehouse store food court a few weeks prior to their get-together, the pair bonded over their mutual love of the Mariners, and Leticia offered to take him to the next game. —Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 11 May 2023

The price-tag: 1 year, $3.5 million, with a $10 million mutual option or a $1 million buyout. – Minnesota Twins starter Sonny Gray could be in for a nice payday this winter as a free agent. —Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, 7 May 2023

Watson led a volunteer fire department that regularly provided mutual aid to neighboring Sheridan and other fire agencies across Grant County. —Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 May 2023

The Philippines gained its independence in 1946, and in 1951 entered into a mutual defense treaty with the United States. —Katie Rogers, New York Times, 1 May 2023

And China has always worked to develop bilateral friendship and cooperation with them according to the principles of mutual respect and equality. —Simone Mccarthy, CNN, 24 Apr. 2023

Unfortunately, Evelyn and her ancient lust object/blood enemy are not able to consummate their mutual interest as they are trapped in an action movie from the late ’90s. —The Rachel Weisz Gay Index, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023

Yet in societies around the world, people cooperate to their mutual benefit. —Bob Holmes, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mutual

• by mutual consent
• mutual fund

• by mutual consent
• mutual fund

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈmyü-chəl

1

a

: given and received in equal amount

mutual favors

b

: having the same relation one to the other

mutual enemies

2

: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint

our mutual friend

mutual defense

3

: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses

a mutual savings bank

a mutual insurance company

mutually

-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

1

: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal

mutual orders of protection in domestic violence cases

—L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler

2

: shared in common : joint

spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage

—Louisiana Civil Code

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb