mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

-chəl,

-chü-əl;

ˈmyüch-wəl

1

a

: directed by each toward the other or the others

mutual affection

b

: having the same feelings one for the other

they had long been mutual enemies

c

: shared in common

enjoying their mutual hobby

d

: joint

to their mutual advantage

2

: characterized by intimacy

mutual contacts

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb

Synonyms

• collaborative
• collective
• combined
• common
• communal
• concerted
• conjoint
• conjunct
• cooperative
• joint
• multiple
• pooled
• public
• shared
• united

Examples of mutual in a Sentence

Mutual love and respect was the key to their successful marriage.

The partnership was based on mutual admiration and understanding.

countries relying on mutual support during difficult times

our mutual hobby of car racing

It was a mutual effort.

We had a mutual agreement not to tell our secret.

Recent Examples on the Web

Collaboration is built on the foundation of mutual exchange—sharing ideas, resources, and efforts to create something greater than what each party could achieve alone. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension. —Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024

Similarly, all of my conversations with voters began with mutual condolences about the ongoing loss of water and electricity. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

Amidst the reunions between participants, new friendships forged, and priceless knowledge gained was an air of compassion, self-acceptance, and mutual support. —Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French mutuel, from Latin mutuus lent, borrowed, mutual, from mutare to change — more at mutable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mutual

• by mutual consent
• mutual fund

Kids Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈmyü-chəl

1

a

: given and received in equal amount

mutual favors

b

: having the same relation one to the other

mutual enemies

2

: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint

our mutual friend

mutual defense

3

: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses

a mutual savings bank

a mutual insurance company

mutually

-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

mutual

adjective

mu·​tu·​al ˈmyü-chə-wəl 

1

: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal

mutual orders of protection in domestic violence cases

—L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler

2

: shared in common : joint

spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage

—Louisiana Civil Code

3

: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses

specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company

mutually adverb