reciprocation

noun
re·​cip·​ro·​ca·​tion | \ ri-ˌsi-prə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce reciprocation (audio) \

Definition of reciprocation

1a : a mutual exchange
b : a return in kind or of like value
2 : an alternating motion

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Other Words from reciprocation

reciprocative \ ri-​ˈsi-​prə-​ˌkā-​tiv How to pronounce reciprocative (audio) , -​kə-​ \ adjective

Examples of reciprocation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paired with Felipe’s fugue-like voice, the exchange in perspective becomes mimetic of the fraught reciprocations between then and now, mother and daughter, the memories of parents and those of their children. Sean Mccoy, Los Angeles Times, "Review: An authoritarian leader’s shadow looms over a weary country in ‘The Remainder’," 18 July 2019 Wood explains, making special note of Harry’s reciprocation of the same type of contact. refinery29.com, "A Body Language Expert Explains Why Meghan Markle Is Always Touching Prince Harry," 26 June 2018 This might be viewed as reciprocation on the president's part for Stewart's work on Trump's 2016 campaign. Eugene Scott, Washington Post, "Another candidate with problematic views on race just won his GOP primary," 13 June 2018 But one function of a healthy friendship is a person's willingness to occasionally give, without expectation of compensation or reciprocation. Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Partner's sister insists on family exclusion," 16 Apr. 2018 But one function of a healthy friendship is a person’s willingness to occasionally give, without expectation of compensation or reciprocation. Amy Dickinson, BostonGlobe.com, "Partner’s sister insists on family exclusion," 15 Apr. 2018 And Boyfriend’s generosity, which denies reciprocation, sounds like control to me. Philip Galanes, New York Times, "Why Can’t a Modern Woman Pay (at Least) Half?," 8 Mar. 2018 Is Carol’s affection perhaps meant to double down on the joke, to show how ridiculous such a reciprocation would be in real life? Rebecca Onion, Slate Magazine, "Why there’s such a long cultural history of jokes about workplace sexual harassment.," 19 Dec. 2017 Concessions without reciprocation, made against the better judgment of foreign policy advisers, smack more of payoff than outreach. Michael Gerson, Alaska Dispatch News, "Trump’s subservience to Russia is just not normal," 24 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reciprocation.' 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 reciprocation

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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