reciprocate

American  

[ri-sip-ruh-keyt] / rɪˈsɪp rəˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

reciprocated, reciprocating

1. to give, feel, etc., in return.

   Synonyms:

   retaliate, respond, return

2. to give and receive reciprocally; interchange.

   to reciprocate favors.

3. to cause to move alternately backward and forward.

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verb (used without object)

reciprocated, reciprocating

1. to make a return, as for something given.

2. to make interchange.

3. to be correspondent.

4. to move alternately backward and forward.

reciprocate British  

/ rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to give or feel in return

2. to move or cause to move backwards and forwards

3. (intr) to be correspondent or equivalent

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Usage

What does reciprocate mean? To reciprocate is to do something in response to an action in a way that corresponds or is somehow equivalent to that action. This is often positive. For example, when you are shown affection by a loved one, you can reciprocate by showing affection back. When someone does you a favor, you can reciprocate by doing something nice for them. However, reciprocating can also be negative. For example, if someone insults you, you may reciprocate by insulting them back or doing something else to get back at them. A much more informal way of saying reciprocate is the verb phrase return the favor. A noun form of reciprocate is reciprocation, which refers to the act of reciprocating or a specific instance of it, as in This gift is reciprocation for all your support. Actions or relationships involving reciprocation can be described as reciprocal. The related word reciprocity often refers to a reciprocal state or relation, or to the mutual exchange of things. More specifically, reciprocate can mean to give and receive things back and forth, or to interchange things. More generally, it can mean to move or cause to move alternately forward and backward, but this sense of the word is less common. Example: My neighbors helped me with my garden, so I reciprocated by making them dinner.

Other Word Forms

• nonreciprocating
  adjective
• reciprocation
  noun
• reciprocative
  adjective
• reciprocator
  noun
• reciprocatory
  adjective
• unreciprocating
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of reciprocate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin reciprocātus, past participle of reciprocāre “to move back and forth”; see -ate ¹

Explanation

You reciprocate when you return a favor, return a compliment, or respond "the same to you" to the angry guy in the car you just passed. In short, you react to an action, statement, or emotion by mirroring it. This one comes from the Latin verb reciprocare, meaning to move back and forth. Its root makes it sound as if reciprocate implies only a physical action, but it's also used for the less tangible. If you fail to pay the rent, your landlord might reciprocate by evicting you. If your crush acts like he doesn't know you exist when you pass him in the halls, it's probably safe to say he does not reciprocate your amorous feelings.

Example Sentences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky -- who has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the four-year war -- said Kyiv was willing to reciprocate.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi responded in a social-media post.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 15, 2025

They’re hoping the studios feel the same and will reciprocate at CinemaCon.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2025

It took audiences a while to reciprocate, however.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2024

He felt that he needed her to talk first, in order to reciprocate.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Related Words

• repay
• retaliate