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

Mullally reciprocated, but, in her signature dry humor, proceeded to kick him out of her car. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Sep. 2026

On services, the EU made its best-ever offer to any trading partner, opening 144 subsectors to Indian firms, and India reciprocated by opening 102 to European companies. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

In our efforts to reciprocate with some updates about our family, the wife would interject within a sentence or two of our contribution to hijack the conversation back to talking about her family. — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026

Nothing has swirled more than appreciation — a sentiment Royals fans reciprocated on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium with a pre-game ceremony in Perez’s honor for the record-breaker that once would have seemed preposterous. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

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