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
Others recalled seeing a van parked outside the Medinas' house around the time Laci was reportedly last seen leaving to walk her dog. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 Neighbors didn’t recall hearing anything out of the ordinary before the shooting. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Noun
The recall numbers are H-1154-2026 and H-1155-2026, respectively. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 For your discussion and decision information, here’s more on the recall by Pillsbury parent company General Mills. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • Another season-ticket holder from that first year remembered crowds being firmly in the 5,500 range.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Yoho hopes people come to Charlotte for the All-Star Game and leave remembering the state’s welcoming culture.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • The Philippine ships eventually canceled their mission on Friday and headed back to port, citing a developing typhoon in the region.
    Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • The exceptions are Indiana, USC (because of the Notre Dame series falling off), Penn State and Nebraska (which canceled a series with Tennessee).
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • These recollections are fond, but tinged with the knowledge of all that would soon change; even the name of his city is no longer the same.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Many people’s recollections of the 2010 World Cup will be the official anthem Waka Waka, the incessant sound of the vuvuzela, and of Paul the Octopus correctly predicting match outcomes.
    Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The site hosted 11 million products, including clothing, footwear and accessories, and saw delivery delays and cancelations in the days after.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
  • The best subscription trackers, like Rocket Money, could actually handle the cancellation themselves.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Burke’s phone was the last device connected to the Tesla before it was abandoned, the detective said, and surveillance footage showed him near the vehicle.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • But Keegan’s bravery, his optimism and his romantic ideal will live on as memories for City fans forever.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Tyler James Feehan shared memories of the 25-year-old who was killed on July 17 as a result of Iranian strikes on Jordan.
    Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Opponents express disappointment but are confident voters will reject the repeal, while proponents argue the public deserves to weigh in on public health and community well-being.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Palin has repeatedly blamed the system for electing Democrats and has called for its repeal.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • That prompted retaliatory strikes by Washington and fresh demands by Iranian hardliners to scrap the truce.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Surely that is more likely than Infantino changing the statutes (again) to scrap the three-term limit to stretch his FIFA stay beyond 2031?
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on recall

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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