1
: shared between two or more people or groups
Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage.
The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding.
mutual trust
countries relying on mutual support during difficult times
Note: If a feeling is mutual, then two people or groups feel the same way about each other.
2
always used before a noun
: shared by two or more people or groups
They met through a mutual friend. [=a person who was a friend of both of them]
our mutual hobby of car racing
The two countries have several mutual [=joint] interests.
It was a mutual effort.
We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.
Cite this Entry
“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mutual. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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