Definition of recallnext
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
To replace Weathers on the active roster, the Yankees recalled right-hander Brendan Beck from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 Featuring large windows that recall the Clybourn Corridor’s industrial past, the Eckenhoff Saunders design displays a modern minimalist sensibility. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
Cyclosporiasis, another foodborne illness that has been making headlines this summer, led to an extensive lettuce recall in July. Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 No injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, but according to a June 2026 notice from the FDA, there’s been a wave of eye drop recalls resulting in medical issues. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • An all-rounder with a heart of gold, Dolly will also be remembered for her philanthropy, her acting roles, her business acumen and her support of good causes.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sarajevans still remember his commands to the Serb gunmen pounding the Bosnian capital in early 1992.
    Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If the league and union can’t agree on a new contract by some time in March, some regular-season games likely would be canceled.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Another, who said a relative's upcoming interview had been canceled, described feeling confused and upset by what appeared to be an embassy-wide hold.
    María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Remarkably, after more than a 40-year interval, Tursi was able to track down one of the hostage takers to get his recollections of that fateful day.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In their latest filing, the prosecutors maintain the teen's recollections of the abuse first surfaced during a high school dream.
    John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Baseball can't afford a lengthy work stoppage or, God forbid, the cancellation of the 2027 season.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Martin, who played Josh Teitelbaum, also took to Instagram to share some words following news of NSFW‘s cancellation.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Financing expires, talent moves on, and production slates are abandoned.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At an event overflowing with seven-figure hypercars and extreme technology, the car that exploded onto social media was one built around ideas that most of the industry has abandoned.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That followed an increase over the summer from $599, which Apple blamed on memory costs.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Why breakfast is linked to memory and grades The American Academy of Pediatrics says children who regularly miss breakfast miss out on benefits tied directly to school performance.
    Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But the immunizations considered for repeal by DOH are only an agency rule, not in state law, and can be repealed by the agency itself.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Opponents of the repeal also highlight the broader role these forests play, saying the roadless areas are an important part of local communities and economies.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Cowboys and Saints were fined $500,000 apiece for scrapping at their joint practice this week.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The film initially touched on the 1993 allegations against the singer, but a binding legal clause in the $20 million settlement with one accuser forced producers to scrap the third act, rewrite the script, reshoot, and end the first film in 1987.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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