reciprocation

noun

re·​cip·​ro·​ca·​tion ri-ˌsi-prə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce reciprocation (audio)
1
a
: a mutual exchange
b
: a return in kind or of like value
2
: an alternating motion
reciprocative adjective

Examples of reciprocation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web People entertain in different ways, and an invitation to a picnic or a bistro would be full reciprocation for a formal dinner. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2024 Rama considers the deal as a gesture of reciprocation to Italy, which in 1991 welcomed thousands of Albanians fleeing poverty after the fall of communism. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 7 Dec. 2023 Instead, what lingers is the image of Bergeron pausing for a few moments to salute Boston fans, with the reciprocation returned his way at full volume. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2023 In Hawaiian culture, aloha is an expression of respect and warmth with no expectation of reciprocation. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023 Shannon and Tamra’s broken friendship was a hot topic throughout the episode — the two had a rocky relationship in the seasons leading up to Tamra’s departure, with Shannon’s lack of reciprocation in the relationship driving a wedge between the former best friends. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 7 June 2023 On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: Russian official warns G-7 'idiots' amid export ban threats Moscow threatens reciprocations if G-7 nations enact an export ban for Russia. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2023 There was no reciprocation. Eli Saslow, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2020 Designed in-house and built by hand—in an adorable little clean room—Maserati’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter, 90-degree V6 Nettuno engine is a fine and furious piece of reciprocation, producing 210 hp per liter (621 hp) and ripping revs to 7,500 rpm like a Papal chain saw. Dan Neil, WSJ, 14 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reciprocation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reciprocation was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near reciprocation

Cite this Entry

“Reciprocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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