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 feeling appreciated for kind gestures and hoping that invitations will be reciprocated is not a new, unusual or irrational problem. —

Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026 Modi became India’s first prime minister to travel to Israel in 2017, and Netanyahu reciprocated with a trip to India the following year. —

ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 Some posters have given it one star, but Galimova—along with several other optimists—gave it five, as if this gesture of good will might somehow be reciprocated with information. —

Sophie Spiegelberger, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026 This is also reciprocated by a few other friends. —

R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reciprocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reciprocate

repay

Verb

MUDs are essentially governmental entities that developers can use to finance infrastructure through the issuance of bonds which are repaid by tax revenue and fees collected from homeowners.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
The Creature repays the favor by using his strength to free the ship from its icy prison.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026