reciprocate

verb

re·​cip·​ro·​cate ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt 

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

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkā-tər 

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."

Synonyms

• recompense
• repay
• requite

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

According to prosecutors, the teenager reciprocated by sending back photos of himself — only to be hit with a blackmail demand of $150 to prevent the images from being disseminated online. —Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 12 May 2025

China reciprocated with an equally dramatic cut from 125% on U.S. imports to 10%, according to a joint statement released Monday. —Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2025

Hai soon reciprocates this act of kindness by becoming her caregiver. —Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 May 2025

Team interest is one thing, but the appeal will have to be reciprocated by Cooper if the two sides do, in fact, connect over a second stint with the Cowboys. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see reciprocal entry 1

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for reciprocate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

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Kids 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

ri-ˌsip-rə-ˈkā-shən

noun