RECIPROCATE Synonyms: 22 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

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

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 reciprocate In classic diplomacy, protocol giveaways are supposed to be reciprocated by substantive concessions. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2026 Mullally reciprocated, but, in her signature dry humor, proceeded to kick him out of her car. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Sep. 2026 On services, the EU made its best-ever offer to any trading partner, opening 144 subsectors to Indian firms, and India reciprocated by opening 102 to European companies. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 In our efforts to reciprocate with some updates about our family, the wife would interject within a sentence or two of our contribution to hijack the conversation back to talking about her family. — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reciprocate

repay

Verb

Lenders may also consider other factors, such as your employment history and existing debt, when evaluating your ability to repay the loan.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
That surprise vote in May prompted state lawmakers to threaten to force Charlotte and other local governments to repay hundreds of millions of dollars spent on the project.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of repay

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reciprocally

reciprocate

reciprocated

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“Reciprocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reciprocate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of reciprocate

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