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
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
For example, Bloomberg has reported that the European Commission is drafting a term sheet for a potential agreement with the U.S. that would include reducing EU tariffs, encouraging mutual investment, and easing certain regulations and standards.
—
Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
This mutual arrangement also extends to defense and security matters.
—Tharaphi Than, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Real love—the kind that’s mutual, intentional, and emotionally grown—isn’t fantasy.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutual
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Cite this Entry
“Mutual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutual. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Kids 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
2
: shared in common : joint
spouses' mutual obligation to support children of their marriage—Louisiana Civil Code
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
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