RECIPROCATE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reciprocate

verb

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt

Definition of reciprocate next

as in to repay

to make a return for reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport

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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

Examples 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 reciprocate Even more moving is seeing Charlie's kindness reciprocated in ways that leave him feeling truly seen. —

Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024 To the surprise of no one, apart from seemingly the International Cricket Council who didn't appear ready for a contingency, India refused to travel to Pakistan, who obviously were displeased and threatened to reciprocate at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. —

Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Carla's kindness was reciprocated by her customers many times. —

Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 17 Dec. 2024 But Allen and the Bills would reciprocate the scores, with Ray Davis and Khalil Shakir accounting for Allen’s passing touchdowns on the day. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reciprocate