1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

mutual

adjective

ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce mutual (audio)
Definition of mutualnext
as in collective
used or done by a number of people as a group every film is a mutual effort by the director, writer, actors, and a host of others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mutual More than a decade ago, the two researchers were introduced by their mutual boss, the chancellor at UCSF, who encouraged them to collaborate. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 This mutual exchange naturally dissolves stereotypes and builds deep respect. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The couple met in 2016 after being introduced by a mutual friend, when Meghan was best known for playing Rachel Zane on Suits and Harry was one of the world’s most recognizable royals. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026 Skinner departed the club by mutual agreement after five seasons as head coach. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutual
  1. collective
  2. joint
  3. collaborative
  4. combined
  5. communal
Adjective
  • Prosecutors argued Lil Durk conspired with five members of his Only the Family (OTF) collective to kill Tyquian Bowman, alias Quando Rondo.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2026
  • And as the Bears defense looks to make a jump this season, the collective energy and effort from their defensive tackles will be key.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of collective
Adjective
  • Trump was warned ahead of the war by his joint chiefs of staff that Iran could attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz in response.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The newlyweds skipped a joint red carpet appearance but enjoyed time together inside the event as they were photographed taking in the action.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of joint
Adjective
  • Their commitment demonstrates that a more inclusive and collaborative creative culture is not only possible.
    — Rica Cerbarano, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Circus veterans and musical-theater pros merge skills onstage, with performers learning trapeze, aerial work and puppetry under collaborative leaders who emphasize one unified troupe — and absolute trust during death-defying feats.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of collaborative
Adjective
  • By one calculation, a combined United-American would account for 40% of US domestic flying capacity.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers throw a combined no-hitter to beat the Cleveland Indians 3-0.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of combined
Adjective
  • The production tracks the world’s richest woman returning to her bankrupt hometown with a billion-dollar rescue offer — on the condition that citizens execute her former lover — testing communal morality, complicity and corruption.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • What was once a rare precaution is now a permanent, mandatory reality for Jewish communal life nationwide as terror concerns remain at an all-time high.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of communal

Browse Nearby Words

mutts
mutual
mutualism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutual. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of churlish

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All