recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈre-kig-ˌnīz 
-kəg-
recognized; recognizing
1
: to acknowledge formally: such as
a
: to admit as being lord or sovereign
b
: to admit as being of a particular status
c
: to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to
d
: to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2
: to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: such as
a
: to acknowledge with a show of appreciation
recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal
b
: to acknowledge acquaintance with
recognize a neighbor with a nod
3
a
: to perceive to be something or someone previously known
recognized the word
b
: to perceive clearly : realize
recognizer
noun
Examples of recognize in a Sentence
I didn't recognize you at first with your new haircut.
I can always recognize him from far away by the way he walks.
They recognized the odor at once.
The U.S. government has now recognized the newly formed country.
They refused to recognize the treaty.
Recent Examples on the Web
Out of War’s Shadow: Vietnam on the Move Nothing defines Vietnam more right now than the desire to be seen anew, to have the country and its people recognized for their strengths.
—
Tony Romm Tung Ngo Talmon Joseph Smith David E. Sanger, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Black men read the room, recognizing the power dynamics clothing signaled, and began making their involuntary uniforms their own.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Because a number of the most successful photo studios were based in Los Angeles, photographers could choose from a large and constantly replenishing population of young men anxious to be recognized, to be chosen.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
His achievements were recognized at last month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, winning the Sportsman of the Year award to become just the second track and field athlete to do so after Usain Bolt.
—Ben Morse and Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
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Tony Romm Tung Ngo Talmon Joseph Smith David E. Sanger, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Black men read the room, recognizing the power dynamics clothing signaled, and began making their involuntary uniforms their own.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Because a number of the most successful photo studios were based in Los Angeles, photographers could choose from a large and constantly replenishing population of young men anxious to be recognized, to be chosen.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
His achievements were recognized at last month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, winning the Sportsman of the Year award to become just the second track and field athlete to do so after Usain Bolt.
—Ben Morse and Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz
ˈrek-əg-
recognized; recognizing
1
: to be willing to admit : acknowledge
recognized my own faults
2
: to admit as qualified to be heard at a meeting
recognizes the delegate from Arkansas
3
: to grant diplomatic recognition to
recognized the new government
4
: to take approving notice of
recognize an act of bravery with a medal
5
: to show one is acquainted with
recognize someone with a nod
6
: to know and remember upon seeing
I didn't recognize you in that new hairdo
Etymology
derived from early French reconoistre "to recognize," from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- "again" and cognoscere "to know" — related to connoisseur, incognito
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