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return

Q: How does the verb 'return' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of return are reciprocate , requite , and retaliate . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

Q: In what contexts can 'reciprocate' take the place of 'return'?

Although the words reciprocate and return have much in common, 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 is 'requite' a more appropriate choice than 'return'?

In some situations, the words requite and return are roughly equivalent. However, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When is it sensible to use 'retaliate' instead of 'return'?

The synonyms retaliate and return are sometimes interchangeable, but retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of return

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place

when I'm done reading a book, I always return it to the very shelf I got it from

Synonyms for return

replace,
restore

Words Related to return

reconvey

Near Antonyms for return

remove,
take

2 to produce as revenue

this technology stock is expected to return a healthy profit

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

bring in,
net

pay off

3 to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction

when I asked him to sit down to dinner, he returned that he would come when he was good and ready

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

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Antonyms for return

4 to go back to a previous and usually lower state or level

vowed to do anything to keep the recovering alcoholic from returning to his dissolute ways

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

throw back

Near Antonyms for return

Antonyms for return

return

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of return (Entry 2 of 2)

1 something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question

I was moved by my grandfather's lengthy return to my casual question about his experiences in the Vietnam War

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

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Antonyms for return

2 an increase usually measured in money that comes from labor, business, or property

if we buy better equipment, we'll be able to make the product faster, thus getting a better return on our investment

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

killing,
windfall

Near Antonyms for return

3 the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received

the return on each unit sold has increased since we streamlined the production process

Synonyms for return

Words Related to return

bottom line

gross,
sales

Near Antonyms for return

Frequently Asked Questions About return

How does the verb return contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of return are reciprocate, requite, and retaliate. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

In what contexts can reciprocate take the place of return?

Although the words reciprocate and return have much in common, 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 is requite a more appropriate choice than return?

In some situations, the words requite and return are roughly equivalent. However, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When is it sensible to use retaliate instead of return?

The synonyms retaliate and return are sometimes interchangeable, but retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

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