reciprocate
verb
re·cip·ro·cate ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt 
reciprocated; reciprocating
transitive verb
1
: to give and take mutually
2
: to return in kind or degree
reciprocate a compliment gracefully
intransitive verb
1
: to make a return for something
we hope to reciprocate for your kindness
2
: to move forward and backward alternately
a reciprocating valve
reciprocator
ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkā-tər
noun 
Did you know?
Reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received (as in "We appreciate you hosting us and we will reciprocate you for your kindness"). The word comes from Latin reciprocus, meaning "returning the same way."
Synonyms
- recompense
- repay
- requite
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Individuals who have received a dedication … are expected to reciprocate with a gift, perhaps placing a few folded notes of money into the hat when they give it back. 
A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999 When he entered the room … Agnes was conscious of a latent feeling which secretly reciprocated Henry's unconcealed pleasure on meeting her again. Wilkie Collins, The Haunted Hotel, 1878 Thus expressing himself, the little lawyer gave Mr. Winkle a poke in the chest, which that gentleman reciprocated; after which they both laughed very loudly … Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1837 They appreciated her kindness but were not ready to reciprocate the gesture. reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport
A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999 When he entered the room … Agnes was conscious of a latent feeling which secretly reciprocated Henry's unconcealed pleasure on meeting her again. Wilkie Collins, The Haunted Hotel, 1878 Thus expressing himself, the little lawyer gave Mr. Winkle a poke in the chest, which that gentleman reciprocated; after which they both laughed very loudly … Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1837 They appreciated her kindness but were not ready to reciprocate the gesture. reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport Recent Examples on the Web By appealing to our innate tendency to reciprocate, a business can inspire us to make our first purchase. Tomas Oscar Andrén, Forbes, 25 July 2022 Orbán proudly describes himself as antiliberal and cultivates ties with like-minded conservatives throughout the Western world, especially in the United States, who reciprocate with fawning coverage. Damon Linker, The Week, 5 Apr. 2022 One of the central arguments against adding seats to the court is that if one party elects to enlarge the body, the other will reciprocate when necessary to achieve a political end, said Tribe. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2022 This positive message will mean that employees are more likely to reciprocate this support back to the organization. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 19 May 2022 The way to show appreciation for private hospitality is to reciprocate. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022 Conover was interested right away, but Olindo didn't reciprocate his feelings. Tamara Palmer, PEOPLE.com, 22 June 2022 Miss Manners considers this important, because there are still people (mentioning no particular professions) who feel that their rank requires them to be formally addressed, but not obligated to reciprocate the courtesy. Washington Post, 14 June 2021 Peers and supervisors may take advantage of people with humility in some situations and not necessarily reciprocate favorably to such behaviors, warns Lehmann. Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 See More
Tomas Oscar Andrén, Forbes, 25 July 2022 Orbán proudly describes himself as antiliberal and cultivates ties with like-minded conservatives throughout the Western world, especially in the United States, who reciprocate with fawning coverage. Damon Linker, The Week, 5 Apr. 2022 One of the central arguments against adding seats to the court is that if one party elects to enlarge the body, the other will reciprocate when necessary to achieve a political end, said Tribe. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2022 This positive message will mean that employees are more likely to reciprocate this support back to the organization. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 19 May 2022 The way to show appreciation for private hospitality is to reciprocate. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022 Conover was interested right away, but Olindo didn't reciprocate his feelings. Tamara Palmer, PEOPLE.com, 22 June 2022 Miss Manners considers this important, because there are still people (mentioning no particular professions) who feel that their rank requires them to be formally addressed, but not obligated to reciprocate the courtesy. Washington Post, 14 June 2021 Peers and supervisors may take advantage of people with humility in some situations and not necessarily reciprocate favorably to such behaviors, warns Lehmann. Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see reciprocal entry 1
First Known Use
1607, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
reciprocations
noun
as in transactions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- transactions
- recompenses
- negotiations
- substitutions
- replacements
- exchanges
- commutations
- horse trades
- swaps
- dealings
- dickers
- barters
- requitals
- logrollings
- bargains
- trucks
- deals
- trades
- trade-offs
- back-and-forths
- quid pro quos