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

Clark reciprocated pleasantries, though nothing was more eye-catching than her 3-point barrage late in the first quarter. —Ben Pickman, New York Times, 15 June 2025

People with basolateral amygdala damage tend to send much more than others, even to untrustworthy trustees who fail to reciprocate. —Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025

The May 12 agreement, a 90-day suspension of escalating tariffs, has seen U.S. duties on Chinese imports plummet dramatically from an aggressive 145% down to a more moderate 30%, while China reciprocated with tariffs on American goods reduced from 125% to 10%. —Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

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

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