What Is Another Way to Say “Quid Pro Quo”?

Looking for synonyms for quid pro quo? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say quid pro quo.

  • Exchange
  • Reciprocity
  • Trade-off
  • Swap
  • Give-and-take
  • Barter
  • Mutual exchange
  • Reciprocal arrangement
  • Tit for tat
  • Counterpart trade
  • Two-way street
  • Back-scratching
  • Deal
  • Compensation
  • Equivalence

Want to learn how to say quid pro quo professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Exchange

Refers to the act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.

  • Example: The business partners agreed to an exchange of services to benefit both companies.

2. Reciprocity

Describes a mutual exchange where both parties benefit from the agreement.

  • Example: The principle of reciprocity guided the negotiations, ensuring a fair deal for both sides.

3. Trade-off

Involves a situation where you accept losing one quality or aspect of something in return for gaining another.

  • Example: The team faced a trade-off between speed and accuracy in completing the project.

4. Swap

A simple exchange of one item for another.

  • Example: The colleagues decided to swap assignments to better suit their individual strengths.

5. Give-and-take

Emphasizes a situation where compromise is necessary for the agreement to be beneficial to all involved.

  • Example: Successful collaboration requires a bit of give-and-take from all team members.

6. Barter

Describes an exchange of goods or services without the use of money.

  • Example: In the early stages of the startup, the founders often had to barter their skills for other needed services.

7. Mutual Exchange

Refers to an exchange where both parties offer something of value.

  • Example: The mutual exchange of information between the companies led to a groundbreaking joint venture.

8. Reciprocal Arrangement

An agreement where two parties provide similar benefits to each other.

  • Example: The universities entered into a reciprocal arrangement, allowing students to take courses at either institution.

9. Tit for Tat

A repayment in kind, usually for negative actions but can be for positive ones in less common usage.

  • Example: The competitive industry often operates on a tit for tat basis, where companies match each other’s promotions.

10. Counterpart Trade

Involves trading goods or services that are considered equivalent in value.

  • Example: The counterpart trade agreement allowed the two countries to exchange oil for technology.

11. Two-way Street

Suggests that both parties involved have mutual responsibilities or benefits.

  • Example: Trust in a professional relationship is a two-way street; both parties must work to maintain it.

12. Back-scratching

Informal term for mutually beneficial cooperation or exchange.

  • Example: The networking event was an opportunity for some back-scratching among local business owners.

13. Deal

A formal agreement, often implying a strategic exchange.

  • Example: The deal between the software company and the distributor was a quid pro quo that expanded the market reach of both.

14. Compensation

Refers to something given to balance a loss or to serve as a recompense.

  • Example: The compensation for the delayed shipment was free shipping on the next order.

15. Equivalence

Describes a situation of equal value or balance in an exchange.

  • Example: The trade pact aimed to ensure equivalence in the exchange of agricultural products between the two countries.

Linda Brown