What does reciprocate mean?
Reciprocate means (transitive) To exchange two things, with both parties giving one thing and taking another thing..
Reciprocate
/ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/ · verb
Meaning
(transitive) To exchange two things, with both parties giving one thing and taking another thing..
Definitions by Sense
- (transitive) To exchange two things, with both parties giving one thing and taking another thing.
- (transitive) To give something else in response (where the "thing" may also be abstract, a feeling or action) To make a reciprocal gift.
- (intransitive) To move backwards and forwards, like a piston.
- (intransitive) To counter, retort or retaliate.
Example Sentences
The USTR isn't reciprocating actual tariffs. It's just placing the biggest tariffs on the countries running the biggest trade surpluses.
I gave them apples from my tree; they reciprocated with a pie and some apple jelly.
Nugget appreciates the generosity! Nugget will reciprocate with a Monstermon card!
a reciprocating engine
One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, / And draws and blows reciprocating air.
Synonyms for reciprocate
Antonyms for reciprocate
Related Words
Word Forms
- reciprocates
- reciprocating
- reciprocated
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for reciprocate?
Common synonyms include give as good as one gets, reciprocate, respond in kind.
What is the opposite of reciprocate?
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
How do you use reciprocate in a sentence?
The USTR isn't reciprocating actual tariffs. It's just placing the biggest tariffs on the countries running the biggest trade surpluses.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.