reciprocate
verb
re·cip·ro·cate
| \ ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt
\
\
reciprocated;
reciprocating
Definition of reciprocate
1
: to give and take mutually
2
: to return in kind or degree
reciprocate a compliment gracefully
1
: to make a return for something
we hope to reciprocate for your kindness
2
: to move forward and backward alternately
a reciprocating valve
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Other Words from reciprocate
reciprocator
\ ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkā-tər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of reciprocate in a Sentence
Individuals who have received a dedication … are expected to reciprocate with a gift, perhaps placing a few folded notes of money into the hat when they give it back.
— A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999
When he entered the room … Agnes was conscious of a latent feeling which secretly reciprocated Henry's unconcealed pleasure on meeting her again.
— Wilkie Collins, The Haunted Hotel, 1878
Thus expressing himself, the little lawyer gave Mr. Winkle a poke in the chest, which that gentleman reciprocated; after which they both laughed very loudly …
— Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1837
They appreciated her kindness but were not ready to reciprocate the gesture.
reciprocated the favor by driving their neighbor to the airport
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Recent Examples on the Web
African leaders have reciprocated this blossoming engagement, with twice as many presidents attending China’s Africa summit in 2018 than attended the United Nations general assembly in New York. — Abdi Latif Dahir, Quartz Africa, "Inside China’s growing presence in Africa," 29 Aug. 2019 Instead, Worley has reciprocated with failures of her own. — al, "Hey DNC, Alabama Democrats need an intervention," 16 Aug. 2019 The New Zealand defender does it to reciprocate appreciation from fans who have supported the club through two bad seasons. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, "Minnesota United advances to U.S. Open Cup final with 2-1 win over Portland," 7 Aug. 2019 That distrust of China is widely reciprocated in Taiwan. — Mary Hui, Quartz, "Hong Kong and Taiwan are fueling each other’s resistance to China," 17 July 2019 There developed a remarkable situation in which Mr. Parker Bowles came to tolerate, perhaps even welcome, the Prince’s love for his wife (who reciprocated, at first, only platonically). — Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, "‘The Duchess’ Review: How to Survive a Royal Romance," 17 May 2018 But companies and business groups are becoming increasingly worried that Beijing will now use other measures to reciprocate. — Anna Fifield, Anchorage Daily News, "China warns of retaliatory measures after Trump threatens new tariffs," 2 Aug. 2019 This was reciprocated by all who were blessed to be in her life. — courant.com, "Kathleen Muratori," 20 July 2019 Novak Djokovic reciprocated by doing one better, losing no points. — Christopher Clarey, New York Times, "Novak Djokovic Wins Wimbledon, Outlasting Roger Federer," 14 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reciprocate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for reciprocate
reciprocate
verb
English Language Learners Definition of reciprocate
: to do (something) for or to someone who has done something similar for or to you
: to have (a feeling) for someone who has the same feeling for you
technical
: to move back and forth again and again
See the full definition for reciprocate in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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