recall 1 of 2

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
As if recalling a bad dream, sales agents and buyers practically shudder when describing having to navigate a maze of slot machines and roulette tables to get to their offices in the Palms Casino Resort. Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 In response to the investigation, ByHeart has recalled its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula as a precaution. Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 Nov. 2025
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
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling World Series that will be remembered for decades to come, becoming the first back-to-back champions MLB has seen in 25 years.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This one billionaire would thereby be entitled to a disproportionate share of—remember, by nature limited—removals, simply by virtue of his ability to pay handsomely for them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
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
  • Despite the 2025 report (read it here) showing a slight uptick from last year’s 468 to 489 LGBTQ characters across all platforms, that number takes a major blow as more than 200 (41%) of those characters will not return, due to series cancellations, endings or limited series format.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
  • But finding another seat can be difficult, especially if this lasts into the holidays, or if bad weather causes flight cancellations elsewhere.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To garrison those vulnerable treasure houses, Britain had to reassign regiments from tours of duty in North America and abandon Philadelphia, the biggest prize the redcoats had taken so far.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Time captive within the grand edifices of the past, parading on the stage of memory.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Left unaddressed, this can lead to cognitive decline, including lapses in memory, trouble concentrating, or dementia-like symptoms in severe cases.
    Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • To get the issue on the ballot, two-thirds of each chamber of the state Legislature would need to vote to put it on the ballot, which is unlikely, or enough Michigan voters would have to sign petitions seeking a repeal.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • According to Forbes, this repeal mainly affects small businesses.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Trump scrapped a program dedicated to funding flood mitigation in low-income communities.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Unfortunately, the project was scrapped by Disney and never went into production.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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