Synonyms of reciprocate

reciprocate

verb

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt 

as in to repay

to make a return for

reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repay
• exchange
• requite
• recompense
• compensate
• satisfy
• pay
• retaliate
• reimburse
• refund
• indemnify
• give back
• avenge
• recoup
• get back (at)
• remunerate
• revenge
• restitute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• owe
• overlook

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reciprocate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reciprocate are requite, retaliate, and return. While all these words 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

When might requite be a better fit than reciprocate?

Although the words requite and reciprocate have much in common, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When is retaliate a more appropriate choice than reciprocate?

While the synonyms retaliate and reciprocate are close in meaning, retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Where would return be a reasonable alternative to reciprocate?

The words return and reciprocate can be used in similar contexts, but return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reciprocate

That 20-year Russian-Iranian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed had no mutual defense clause, but Iran's backing for Russia's war in Ukraine with Shahed drones appears not to have been reciprocated. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

That, in turn, would compel the United States to reciprocate in an iterative process. —Daniel C. Kurtzer, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025

But while Kyiv had shared its peace terms with Moscow ahead of the meeting, Russia did not reciprocate and presented its terms only on Monday, officials from both countries said. —Constant Méheut, New York Times, 2 June 2025

Fans reciprocated the emotion, with many moved to tears during the performance. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 17 June 2025

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