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mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al | \ ˈmyü-chÉ™-wÉ™l How to pronounce mutual (audio) , -chÉ™l, -chü-É™l; ˈmyüch-wÉ™l\

Definition of mutual

1a : 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
Other Words from mutual Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about mutual

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Other Words from mutual

mutually adverb

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Smaller mutual banks don’t have the same critical mass to make the same kind of impact. — BostonGlobe.com, "These days, Rivers has turned his attention to a new cause: early childhood development and education.," 10 Sep. 2019 More than any policy convergence, the alliance of 5-Stars and Democrats mainly hinges on mutual determination to keep out of power Salvini and his anti-migrant League, soaring in opinion polls for months. — Washington Post, "Italy’s Conte wins first confidence vote in Parliament," 10 Sep. 2019 United in their grief, the children’s relatives had formed a bond with McClellan-Wiese, who became their friend and champion in their mutual quest for justice. — Elizabeth Zavala, ExpressNews.com, "In court, grieving family members confronted a former nurse accused of killing five children in San Antonio," 9 Sep. 2019 As Comic-Con has ballooned, Hollywood franchises have swept in to market their latest tentpole projects, unveiling trailers at starry panel discussions and wrapping fans in a mutual embrace. — Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, "Superfans: A Love Story," 9 Sep. 2019 But in 1991, as part of an agreement between the U.S. and Soviet Union to allow mutual inspection of biological weapons facilities, which both sides said had been decommissioned, Alibek discovered that only the Americans were truthful. — Brian Albrecht, cleveland.com, "Scientist who supervised Soviet biological weapons production now develops products to help people," 8 Sep. 2019 Immigrants from Scandinavia had experience with small mutual insurance companies. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: What Dorian tells us about risk and scale," 8 Sep. 2019 In King’s novel, the relationship between Richie and Eddie is an ambiguous one that has long inspired debate over whether the two shared either a mutual or a one-sided attraction. — Megan Mccluskey, Time, "How IT Chapter Two Handles the LGBTQ Themes of Stephen King’s Novel," 7 Sep. 2019 Temple Beth Hatfiloh will be supported by the Greater South Sound Network for Immigration and Refugee Support, a coalition of 16 Olympia-area faith communities who have pledged mutual support to congregations offering sanctuary. — Rolf Boone, The Seattle Times, "Facing deportation, a mother and son seek sanctuary at Olympia synagogue," 7 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of mutual

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

History and Etymology for mutual

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

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More Definitions for mutual

mutual

adjective
How to pronounce mutual (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of mutual

: shared between two or more people or groups
: shared by two or more people or groups

See the full definition for mutual in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al | \ ˈmyü-chÉ™-wÉ™l How to pronounce mutual (audio) \

Kids Definition of mutual

1 : given and received in equal amount mutual affection
2 : having the same relation to one another They are mutual enemies.
3 : shared by two or more at the same time It turns out we have a mutual friend.

Other Words from mutual

mutually adverb

mutual

adjective
mu·​tu·​al | \ ˈmyü-chÉ™-wÉ™l How to pronounce mutual (audio) \

Legal Definition of mutual

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