recall 1 of 2

Definition of recallnext

recall

2 of 2

noun

1
as in recollection
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered his recall of the events of that turbulent time is significantly different from the accounts of other eyewitnesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recall distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect, remember, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

In what contexts can recollect take the place of recall?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of recall?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is it sensible to use remind instead of recall?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

When could reminisce be used to replace recall?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 recall
Verb
The commemoration recalls the visit of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar to Baby Jesus and is celebrated with gifts, family gatherings, and the traditional Rosca de Reyes cake, a symbol of unity and faith. Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Palace, meanwhile, are considering recalling Canada goalkeeper Owen Goodman from his loan spell with Huddersfield Town. Elias Burke, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
Jeep recall Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, has recalled 375,000 Jeep SUVs over fire risks and has urged owners to park outside. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 And in 2021, Californians rejected the recall of Newsom with 62% voting to defeat it. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • Menz remembers seeing many regulars pass through their doors.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Many locals remember the days when the mall was thriving and wonder if the new year will bring new life to it.
    Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While it's left some passengers making backup plans and reserving rental cars, the flights canceled Friday represented just a small portion of overall flights nationwide.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.
    The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Truly has been racing most of his life, almost 11 years by his recollection.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The one-off doc will present first-hand recollections of the Israel-Hamas war from Israel Defense Force (IDF) veterans and reservists who have served in the conflict.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The cancellation also comes amid a recall of the Jeep SUVs due to fire risk — the latest in a string of issues for the vehicles.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • It was punctuated by multiple flight delays and one shootaround cancellation while the team was en route to an arena.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Season One concludes with the Texas Tech geology graduate abandoning a well crew after tragedy strikes, only to achieve rapid success in his personal and work endeavors.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Miami has rekindled memories of its 2001 national championship team behind a defense that went from porous to nearly impenetrable in its first season under coordinator Corey Hetherman.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Yes, some people just drink to enjoy, but many also consume alcohol to experience a boost in confidence or performance or to relieve stress, sadness or difficult memories, Knowles said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Health care and business groups oppose a repeal.
    Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Another prospect is that not all of the cuts materialize — say, the trash fee repeal doesn’t happen — or the field of tax increases thins out, making those that remain more palatable to voters.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The proposal comes on the heels of a sweeping provision slipped in late last legislative session that required colleges to scrap programs that fell below a certain enrollment quota.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As more ocean carriers appear to show an openness to returning to the Red Sea on a limited basis, Maersk reportedly scrapped a long-time fee last month for one of its container vessels that transited the Suez Canal.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on recall

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!