Definitions

reciprocate

[ri-sip-ruh-keyt] / rɪˈsɪp rəˌkeɪt /

VERB

exchange, alternate; equal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repay retaliate

STRONG

barter correspond interchange match recompense render reply requite respond retort return share square swap swing trade vacillate

WEAK

be equivalent feel in return give-and-take make up for pay one's dues return the compliment scratch one's back serve out tit for tat

Antonyms

STRONG

ask disagree keep question request take

WEAK

deny refuse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then this is the hard part, but the idea is you will reciprocate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

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

On Wednesday, Thailand's foreign ministry said the release of the soldiers was a "demonstration of goodwill" and that it hopes Cambodia would "reciprocate this goodwill through its concrete actions".

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

I tried to reciprocate, which would have been easy under normal circumstances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Jefferson had reliable evidence that Talleyrand had threatened to leak news of his previous peace initiative, thereby requiring Adams to reciprocate.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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