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
Their temple — formed last summer in the affluent neighborhood of Woodland Hills when two synagogues merged — would be a beacon of goodwill and understanding, a place where L.A. Jews and Muslims could gather in mutual toleration, appreciation and grace.
—
Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Many of them use Russian as their main language, creating a complex cultural puzzle among Vilnius’s different ethnic communities, which are tied together by a common history but divided by mutual historical grievances.
—Tomas Dapkus, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Yes, there is mutual interest between the Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott about a return to the team in 2024.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024
The pair first met in 1986 when a mutual friend of the couple — then strangers — invited them both to perform at The Bottom Line in New York City.
—Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
The rehearsals are a time for singing as much as for camaraderie and a chance to pull out of their current situations and find mutual encouragement.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
The two were photographed leaving the Broadway play Appropriate starring Sarah Paulson, who is a mutual friend to both stars.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
After being diagnosed with MS, Applegate was connected to Sigler, who had been diagnosed in 2001, through mutual friend Lance Bass.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2024
Building trust with your audience by highlighting robust data security and privacy measures can solidify a relationship founded on transparency and mutual benefit.
—Carol Howley, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Many of them use Russian as their main language, creating a complex cultural puzzle among Vilnius’s different ethnic communities, which are tied together by a common history but divided by mutual historical grievances.
—Tomas Dapkus, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Yes, there is mutual interest between the Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott about a return to the team in 2024.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024
The pair first met in 1986 when a mutual friend of the couple — then strangers — invited them both to perform at The Bottom Line in New York City.
—Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
The rehearsals are a time for singing as much as for camaraderie and a chance to pull out of their current situations and find mutual encouragement.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
The two were photographed leaving the Broadway play Appropriate starring Sarah Paulson, who is a mutual friend to both stars.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
After being diagnosed with MS, Applegate was connected to Sigler, who had been diagnosed in 2001, through mutual friend Lance Bass.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2024
Building trust with your audience by highlighting robust data security and privacy measures can solidify a relationship founded on transparency and mutual benefit.
—Carol Howley, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
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 19 Apr. 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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