recognition

noun

Definition of recognitionnext
1
as in detection
ability to positively identify someone or something The research concerns the capacity for pattern recognition in dogs.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in praise
the state of being publicly acknowledged or known for something (such as an achievement) The group was pleased to finally receive recognition for their groundbreaking work.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of recognition Additional recognition came through professional organizations and industry publications for her work in probate law. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 July 2026 Facial recognition cameras at the Rock With the border fence gone, Gibraltar officials have set up live facial recognition cameras at entry points and throughout the territory. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 His steadfastness seemed to reflect a recognition that God’s purpose and foundation had never truly been broken down. — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026 Held in recognition of the June 1969 Stonewall uprising, the rally brings together advocates and members of the community. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognition
  1. detection
  2. praise
  3. identification
  4. acknowledgment
  5. acclaim
  6. accolade
Noun
  • When Fortune analyzed Chesky’s thread through AI-detection tool Pangram, the system flagged it as 100% AI-generated.
    — Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Humans prepare for warfare with more surveillance, taking to higher ground to gather information, conducting ambushes and raids, and quietly spying on enemy territory to avoid detection.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
Definition of detection
Noun
  • Bobby Wilson was a pastor’s son who grew up idolizing the kind of R&B dudes who could wail a praise song and then hit up Freaknik afterwards (think Jodeci and H-Town).
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026
  • Amassing 2 million views and widespread praise, these videos feature photorealistic AI versions of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, with stories set between *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of praise
Noun
  • The TikTok edits, the outfit identification threads, the contestant rivalries trending on X by the end of an episode, all of it turns 60 minutes of passive viewing into a multi-platform conversation that runs all week.
    — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Ask the officers to show you identification or documents by holding them up to a window or sliding them under the door, rather than opening the door.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of identification
Noun
  • There was not, however, a single mention made or acknowledgement of the finding against McGregor in 2024.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • Even a simple internal acknowledgment that a moment is difficult, and that support is available, can make a meaningful difference to the people carrying the most weight.
    — Aaron Wolowiec, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of acknowledgment
Noun
  • Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey* has premiered to widespread acclaim, solidifying his unique standing in the film industry.
    — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The Automated Ball-Strike system debuted this season to widespread acclaim.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of acclaim
Noun
  • Despite any accolades that may have come, the environment for an independent artist seemed gloomier than ever.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
  • Fifty years later the wines are still delicious and garnering accolades and awards.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
Definition of accolade

Browse Nearby Words

reclusive
recognition
recognitions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recognition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognition. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on recognition

Nglish: Translation of recognition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recognition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All