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

Iran has helped Russia with military drones throughout the war in Ukraine, but analysts now say there might be very little Moscow can or will to do to reciprocate. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 June 2025

Top tech executives have made numerous visits to the White House and Mar-a-Lago, and Trump has reciprocated with praise. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025

Immediately after Trump issued the letter last week, Lula vowed to reciprocate should Trump follow through on the threat to impose the staggering tariff. —John Liu, CNN Money, 16 July 2025

If Illinoisans headed north last week to buy fireworks, a steady stream of Wisconsin plates reciprocated, heading to Lake County grass dispensaries. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!