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

• owe

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

Surprisingly, Olaf pats his brother on the belly with his paw, reciprocating his love for the very first time since his arrival. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Meg paid homage to these ladies and that energy was reciprocated. —Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 14 Apr. 2025

When Altuve accepted the move to left field this winter, the team reciprocated his selflessness by assuring Altuve he wouldn’t be moved around constantly. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

In turn, the fans reciprocated their love towards the singer not only by cheering with passionate fervor but also by singing the words to the songs. —David Chiu, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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