reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce reciprocity (audio)
plural reciprocities
Synonyms of reciprocity
1
: the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence
… says his study is the first to look at reciprocity between humans and dogs.—Shi En Kim
… there was ever a second silent conversation passing between their emotions, so perfect was the reciprocity between them.—Thomas Hardy
2
: a mutual exchange of privileges
specifically : a recognition by one of two countries, states, or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other
Some areas with a lot of commuters who cross state lines have reciprocity agreements. —Michelle Singletary
There are about 37 states that grant reciprocity, though the rules are different in each one. —Paul Bedard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between reciprocity and endorsement?

Each of these words has multiple meanings, some of which are similar, and others of which are not. Reciprocity may mean "a mutual exchange of privileges" and is often applied to things such as professional certification (neighboring states may have a reciprocal agreement so that certification a worker needs is applicable in each). Endorsement may mean "sanction, approval" or simply refer to "the act or process of endorsing."

Can reciprocity be mutual?

Reciprocal and mutual share a good deal of meaning; the former may be defined as "shared, felt, or shown by both sides," and the latter as "shared in common." Based on this semantic overlap some usage guides caution against using any form of the two words (mutually reciprocal, or mutual reciprocity) together, on the grounds that it is redundant.

Is reciprocity a noun or verb?

Reciprocity is a noun. The verb form of the word is reciprocate; the adjective is reciprocal, and the adverb is reciprocally.

Examples of reciprocity in a Sentence

Grownups know that little things matter … and that relationships are based on respect and reciprocity. —Margaret Carlson, Time, 4 June 2001
Introduced in the McKinley Tariff of 1890, reciprocity gave the president authority to remove items from the free list if their countries of origin placed unreasonable tariffs on American goods. —Mary Beth Norton et al., A People and a Nation, 1988
Indeed when they talked on an indifferent subject, as now, there was ever a second silent conversation passing between their emotions, so perfect was the reciprocity between them. —Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, 1895
The proposal calls for reciprocity in trade relations.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There's a reciprocity among the people, and with the land itself. — Paola Miglio, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 Many of the students in Noreus’ schools passed in Florida, which has reciprocity with many other states. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026 Unsurprisingly, one-sided overshares lack the back-and-forth rhythm of reciprocity that helps people feel closer. — Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 For high-quality friendships to be maintained, there should be reciprocity within the relationship. — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocity

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reciprocity was in 1753

Rhymes for reciprocity

See All Rhymes for reciprocity

Browse Nearby Words

reciprocatory
reciprocity
reciprocity law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reciprocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reciprocity

noun
rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌres-ə-ˈpräs-ət-ē How to pronounce reciprocity (audio)
plural reciprocities
1
: shared dependence, cooperation, or exchange between persons, groups, or states
2
: an exchange of commercial benefits between countries

Legal Definition

reciprocity

noun
rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-sə-tē How to pronounce reciprocity (audio)
plural reciprocities
1
: the quality or state of being reciprocal
2
: the exchange, recognition, or enforcement of licenses, privileges, or obligations between states of the U.S. or between nations
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