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 Trump reciprocated by making Macron the guest of honor the following year at his first White House state dinner, the highest diplomatic honor the United States can extend to an ally. — Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Over the course of the season, Chantal grows frustrated with her needy fiancé and begins falling for Jordie, who has harbored feelings for Delilah for years, but seemingly moves on and reciprocates Chantal’s affections. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 11 June 2026 Underneath the surface, trust is more easily built, care is more easily reciprocated, and expectations are more clearly communicated. — Kyle Smitley, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 But Miss Manners realizes that dates to a time when people reciprocated hospitality — and did not do half of their entertaining in the kitchen. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reciprocate

repay

Verb

Proceeds will be used to repay debt and for general corporate purposes.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 30 July 2026
As part of the agreement, IG Group will repay Underdog’s existing debt, expected to be approximately $160 million.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of reciprocate

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