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 next

as in to repay

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 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 His reciprocating cutting mechanism allowed grain to be harvested far faster than manual labor and became foundational to modern combine harvesters. —

Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 Sunflowers reciprocate by providing shade for nasturtiums and extending their bloom time into fall. —

Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 China has reciprocated by supporting Serbia's claim on Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 and applied for EU membership in 2022. —

Misha Savic, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reciprocate

repay

Verb

In other words, as much as 8% of the district’s budget gets spent on repaying debt.

— Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Others, such as Langley, scoffed at the idea of repaying NCDOT.

— Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026