RECIPROCATE Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reciprocate

verb

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt

Definition of reciprocate next

as in to repay

to make a return for reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 reciprocate And even if Israel halts its strikes on Iran, there’s no guarantee Tehran will reciprocate. —

Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026 The seagrass reciprocates with sugars. —

David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026 The Teamsters head reciprocated, featuring Mullin on his Better Bad Ideas podcast. —

Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 Since childhood, letter writer was told to show up for older siblings who never reciprocated. —

Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reciprocate

repay

Verb

Debt relief plans are often built around structured payments designed to settle or repay balances over time, but those plans don't always account for issues like sudden income changes, higher living expenses or unexpected financial emergencies.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Lockwood proposed converting the site into a senior living facility, but failed to repay $44 million in loans to Builders Capital, and the capital company took over the site, Wogan said.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026