Synonyms of reciprocate

reciprocate

verb

ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt 

as in to repay

to make a return for

reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repay
• exchange
• requite
• recompense
• compensate
• satisfy
• pay
• retaliate
• reimburse
• refund
• indemnify
• give back
• avenge
• recoup
• get back (at)
• remunerate
• revenge
• restitute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• owe

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of reciprocate

The disregard is reciprocated, and equally justified in the other direction. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2025

As a result of Trump's actions, Canada has threatened to reciprocate with a 25% tariff on U.S. imports and Mexico has vowed to hit the U.S. with tariffs, which could further jack up prices for U.S. consumers. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2025

There is also a potential scenario where an NBA player like Curry could reciprocate the gesture by participating in a similar shootout at next summer's WNBA All-Star Game. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

When emotional care is not reciprocated, the partner carrying the bulk of the labor can feel emotionally exhausted, overlooked and undervalued. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

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