return 1 of 2

1
as in to restore
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

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2
as in to yield
to produce as revenue this technology stock is expected to return a healthy profit

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3
as in to respond
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

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4
as in to revert
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

return

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in revenue
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in proceeds
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

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Synonym Chooser

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

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 return
Verb
Customers may also return it to the original place of purchase. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 All living hostages are now out of Gaza, but the remains of 13 deceased hostages have not been returned by Hamas. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
Sabonis was seen on the court shooting at the end of Thursday’s practice and appears to be nearing a return. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Varitek’s imminent return means that virtually the entire coaching staff will return for 2026. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for return
Recent Examples of Synonyms for return
Verb
  • After years of sitting dormant, the station was restored as a new hotel, but a surprise was left behind on the top floor.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The result can be a culture that restores its edge daily, rather than one that dulls until a major transformation is forced.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • West Ham have yielded four points from their first nine games, which is their joint-worst return at this stage of a league campaign, since the 1932-33 and 1973-74 seasons.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Foundation Rock, discovered in 2024, is already yielding stunning insights into the fascinating city of Cobá.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The in-depth interviews included questions about how people had responded to loan requests from family and friends.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Lauren Spors’ attorney Vincent Guimont did not respond to a request for comment.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If O'Connell were to revert back to the second-year quarterback as his starter, Minnesota would have McCarthy under center on the road against the Detroit Lions on November 2.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Trump quickly reverted back to Boston, before taking one final question in the Oval Office.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Japanese stocks reached a record high in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s spending plans, although significant challenges remain for the Asian giant’s new leader.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Authorities were initially called to the home in response to a disconnected 911 call, but upon arrival, discovered the injured and unresponsive student.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Likewise, Halliburton’s net income plunged down to a barely profitable $18 million—including hefty impairment charges—from $571 million, although revenues only fell 2%.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The most recent edition of Deloitte’s Football Money League, ranking clubs by revenue for the 2023-24 season, was led by Real Madrid, but Barcelona (sixth) and Atletico Madrid (12th) were the only other Spanish clubs in the top 30.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Lowdown is paying tribute to its late star, Graham Greene.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Their separation came five years after the couple were entangled in the Operation Varsity Blues scandal, pleading guilty to wire and mail fraud related to paying hundreds of thousands in bribes to get their daughters into the University of Southern California.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At best, viewers reply with admiration, applauding the Fadel's contestants for their quick thinking.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Company officials did not immediately reply to a reporter's questions about the decision.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Return.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/return. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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