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

• owe

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

Ukraine agreed to a 30-day full ceasefire during talks with the U.S. in March, a move not reciprocated by Russia. —Ellie Cook brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military. —Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 10 May 2025

Other countries reciprocated with comparable tariffs, which forced global trade to decline by 65% in 1933, the peak of the Depression that spawned a 25% unemployment rate in the United States. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025

However, oxytocin levels don't rise from initiating interaction but only when their affection is reciprocated by their peers, which means dogs thrive on mutual companionship. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

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