Definition of RECIPROCAL (original) (raw)
1
b
: of, constituting, or resulting from paired crosses in which the kind that supplies the male parent of the first cross supplies the female parent of the second cross and vice versa
2
: shared, felt, or shown by both sides
3
: serving to reciprocate : consisting of or functioning as a return in kind
the reciprocal devastation of nuclear war
4
a
: mutually corresponding
agreed to extend reciprocal privileges to each other's citizens
b
: marked by or based on reciprocity
reciprocal trade agreements
1
: something in a reciprocal relationship to another
2
: either of a pair of numbers (such as ²/₃ and ³/₂ or 9 and ¹/₉) whose product is one
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between reciprocity and endorsement?
Each of these words has multiple meanings, some of which are similar, and others of which are not. Reciprocity may mean "a mutual exchange of privileges" and is often applied to things such as professional certification (neighboring states may have a reciprocal agreement so that certification a worker needs is applicable in each). Endorsement may mean "sanction, approval" or simply refer to "the act or process of endorsing."
Can reciprocity be mutual?
Reciprocal and mutual share a good deal of meaning; the former may be defined as "shared, felt, or shown by both sides," and the latter as "shared in common." Based on this semantic overlap some usage guides caution against using any form of the two words (mutually reciprocal, or mutual reciprocity) together, on the grounds that it is redundant.
Is reciprocity a noun or verb?
Reciprocity is a noun. The verb form of the word is reciprocate; the adjective is reciprocal, and the adverb is reciprocally.
Synonyms
Examples of reciprocal in a Sentence
Adjective
the two nations agreed to give reciprocal work rights to each other's citizens, thus facilitating the daily border crossings of workers from both countries
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefly halted the reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners, warning Hamas against further disruptions. —
Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 For frequent travelers, one of the most valuable membership benefits is reciprocal admission. —Linnea Bailey, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
For now, one hint that TKV may have an edge is that the reciprocals of the series of angles produced by the model, unlike those in the older model, follow a nearly periodic progression. —Quanta Magazine, 28 May 2019 See all Example Sentences for reciprocal 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Latin reciprocus returning the same way, alternating
First Known Use
Adjective
1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of reciprocal was in 1570
Dictionary Entries Near reciprocal
Cite this Entry
“Reciprocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocal. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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