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
Ulyate recalls one memorable listening session for Origins with all four surviving original Heartbreakers — including bassist Ron Blair — in Los Angeles. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026 Bo recalls that a Guatemalan mother of five named Gabriella Castillo spent 20 days training him on what a smile looks like … and was paid about $60. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
Warranty claims involving the step-to-post connection have raised concerns about the product’s reliability, however, ultimately resulting in its recall. — Erik Barber, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2026 That way, the latest recall alerts come to you rather than the other way around. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • The Robinson family was remembered in a joint statement provided to Fox News Digital.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Forget my feet and then remember them; become overwhelmed by long wait times, then ground myself; slip into autopilot, then return.
    — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • First-class seats will come with 32-inch 4K high-definition screens, Bang and Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones and options for passengers to book double bed and face-to-face dining configurations.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In 1996, Smack signed up for an open mic in Virginia, but nobody showed up, so the event was canceled.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Her Justice Department interview took place after publication, Gayles noted, and her lack of recollection did not establish that the reporters knowingly published falsehoods or seriously doubted their account.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Later in the morning, his office sent out a personal recollection of the labor leader’s impact on his life.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • While flight delays, cancellations and baggage issues contribute to disruptive behaviour, by far the biggest factor is alcohol.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • American Airlines has no award flight change or cancellation fees.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The limited operations on Qeshm demonstrate that the United States has not abandoned military pressure.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was abandoned after the incident.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The rough and tumble of the campaign was a distant memory at Ford’s party on Tuesday night.
    — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The space is a respite for the designer, who views the home as a collection of memories and a backdrop for her bustling family life, kids, and border collie included.
    — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Today with the formal repeal of the Roadless Rule rule expected early next year, the picture on the ground in timber country looks messier.
    — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Dispute over retroactive repeal The challenge also centers on the General Assembly’s subsequent repeal of the posting requirement.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Channel 4 has canceled the series and its spinoff and scrapped the latest season, even though it had already been filmed.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Spears recorded the song for her third album, but it was left unfinished and ultimately scrapped from the record to prioritize other songs.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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