mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyü-chə-wəl 
-chəl,
-chü-əl;
ˈmyüch-wəl
1
a
: 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
mutually
adverb
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
This astrological alignment is conducive to a deeper understanding of their communication styles, as there is a mutual appreciation for each other’s honesty and way of thinking.
—
Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Trump Has Promised to Do in a Second Term
Dessner and Atwell talk about their dynamic with an air of mutual reverence.
—Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutual 
Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Trump Has Promised to Do in a Second Term
Dessner and Atwell talk about their dynamic with an air of mutual reverence.
—Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutual
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mutual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near mutual
Cite this Entry
“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl
ˈmyü-chəl
1
a
: given and received in equal amount
mutual favors
b
: having the same relation one to the other
mutual enemies
2
: owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : joint
our mutual friend
mutual defense
3
: organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses
a mutual savings bank
a mutual insurance company
mutually
adverb
-ē
Legal Definition
mutual
adjective
mu·tu·al
ˈmyü-chə-wəl
1
: directed by each toward the other : reciprocal
mutual orders of protection in domestic violence cases—L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler
L. H. Schafran and Norman Wikler2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Code3
: 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
mutually
adverb
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