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
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.
Trump has reciprocated and attended a SpaceX rocket launched this past week. Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2024 As much as Cook has embraced the culture of rural Nebraska, its people have reciprocated. Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024 And Weaver knows exactly how this Dolphins team can reciprocate to Campbell. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2024 But if the other person does reciprocate by sharing a bit of their dessert, for instance, your next investment might be larger. Sebastian Stockmaier, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reciprocate 

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 9 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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