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
That would allow Florida to recall someone from the Charlotte Checkers, its American Hockey League affiliate. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 The star recalls explaining this to his father at least 10 times. — Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
Then, in the event of a recall, the official would be replaced by appointment, succession or special election at a later date. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Other recalls This recall is among the many that have been instituted recently across the country, including in North Carolina. — Eva Flowe october 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • At the recent memorial gathering, attendees watched Angels in the Outfield and remembered the angel who was their friend and loved one.
    — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Matthew Perry’s family and friends remember the late actor’s incredible talent, generosity, and long battle with addiction in the poignant new trailer for the upcoming documentary, The One About Matthew Perry.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Cage previously starred in the first two Ghost Rider movies, a franchise now being revived by Ryan Gosling, and as Spider-Noir in both the animated Beyond the Spider-Verse films and the live-action series Prime Video just canceled.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • One Elk Grove City Council race is on the ballot this November, after two other races were canceled and the incumbents were appointed to new terms because no challengers filed to run.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • According to RadarOnline, there is serious doubt about Spencer’s recollection.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Ascending the museum’s spiral from the ground floor, the unnamed agent’s recollections unfold in forty-two chronological chapters illustrated with photographic, video, and sculptural installations.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Flight controllers can establish precise safety thresholds to reduce unnecessary launch cancellations in cloudy or light-rain conditions, minimizing costly operational delays.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Massive technological evolutions, including smaller drivers and active and the introduction of adaptive-noise cancellation, have allowed listeners to focus on their favorite music like never before—even on the go, away from home.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Joe Raedle/Getty Images A North Miami Beach, Florida, mom is facing child neglect charges after allegedly abandoning her four children -- including a 2-month-old and a 2-year-old -- to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, according to court documents.
    — Clara McMichael, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the prime minister is having to claw back progressives who defected to the Green Party as left-wing factions abandoned Starmer’s Labour over the party’s stance on issues like net zero and the Gaza conflict.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to testimony from Perry Bowick, the series will include stories of firsthand memories from Perry’s friends David Pressman and Roger Castillo, along with several former girlfriends.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • These rodents also performed better on standard memory tests than their untreated counterparts, even though both groups had similar levels of tau.
    — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Measuring affordability To defend its repeal of pollution limits, the EPA has estimated economy-wide cost savings of $310 billion from 2026 to 2047.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Wellenkamp, however, believes that the fate of the income tax repeal has no bearing on the vote for a sovereign wealth fund.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Other countries have also scrapped cash-for-residency programs, citing concerns ranging from dirty money to housing affordability.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There is a strong cargo backdrop as shippers scrap for space.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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