mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

-chəl,

-chü-əl;

ˈmyüch-wəl

1

a

: directed by each toward the other or the others

mutual affection

b

: having the same feelings one for the other

they had long been mutual enemies

c

: shared in common

enjoying their mutual hobby

d

: joint

to their mutual advantage

2

: characterized by intimacy

mutual contacts

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb

Synonyms

• collaborative
• collective
• combined
• common
• communal
• concerted
• conjoint
• conjunct
• cooperative
• joint
• multiple
• pooled
• public
• shared
• united

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage.

The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding.

countries relying on mutual support during difficult times

our mutual hobby of car racing

It was a mutual effort.

We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.

Recent Examples on the Web

But Putin and Zelensky surprised everyone with their mutual willingness to consider far-reaching concessions to end the war. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024

Sometimes, but not always, these clauses are mutual, which means that the employer cannot technically disparage the employee either. —Christine Shen, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

After meeting at an event in L.A. in 2005 and marrying just over a year later, the pair have been steadfast in their mutual devotion ever since. —Elizabeth Leonard, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024

Up next, Levy and Reynolds will work with their mutual friend, Jackman, in Marvel’s upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, which is set to hit theaters this summer and sees the X-Men star come out of retirement as the clawed superhero. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Apr. 2024

Yet Douglas was surprised to learn the critical role Franklin, who was 70 in 1776, played in secretly courting crucial French assistance for the floundering American Revolution against the two countries' mutual rival, England. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Last year’s much-vaunted summer counteroffensive foundered amid muted but pointed mutual recrimination between Ukrainian officials and American backers over battle tactics. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Video Ad Feedback 03:42 - Source: CNN Marcos has vowed not to submit to Chinese intimidation, and the US has steadfastly said the US-Philippines mutual defense treaty covers Second Thomas Shoal and the Philippine forces involved. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

The visit underscores how the mutual threat from China, North Korea and Russia are driving these two allies even closer together. —Selina Wang, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mutual

• by mutual consent
• mutual fund

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈmyü-chəl

1

a

: given and received in equal amount

mutual favors

b

: having the same relation one to the other

mutual enemies

2

: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint

our mutual friend

mutual defense

3

: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses

a mutual savings bank

a mutual insurance company

mutually

-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

1

: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal

mutual orders of protection in domestic violence cases

—L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler

2

: shared in common : joint

spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage

—Louisiana Civil Code

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb