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?

“Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,” “do unto others as you would have them do to you,” “share and share alike”: such is the essence of the verb reciprocate, which implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. Reciprocate traces back to the Latin verb reciprocare (“to move back and forth”), which in turn comes from the adjective reciprocus, meaning “returning the same way” or “alternating.” Indeed, one of the meanings of reciprocate is “to move forward and backward alternately,” as in “a reciprocating saw.” Most often, however, reciprocate is used for the action of returning something in kind or degree, whether that be a gift, favor, or feeling.

Synonyms of reciprocate

• repay

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

Those people cannot necessarily reciprocate. —CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

Outside your circle, someone’s bad behavior should not be reciprocated, keep it clean. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026

Outside your circle, someone’s bad behavior should not be reciprocated; keep it clean. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026

His defense maintained throughout the trial that any gifts were reciprocated, and that he was not involved in the decision of where to grant the contracts. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

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