recall 1 of 2

Definition of recallnext

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

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
Simmons recalled his daughter asking. Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 The mom recalls her as a former student espousing a radical totalitarian ideology, and the new girlfriend begins to build a powerful following, tearing apart the family from within. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
They were sold at stores between March 2 and March 13, according to the recall notice. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 17 Mar. 2026 The recall was given the second-highest risk level, Class II. More than 650,000 plastic water bottles have been recalled in two states, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • But nothing is more important than remembering there’s life outside the spectacle.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And remember, your self-worth shouldn’t rise and fall with a performance review.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His insurance company had even cancelled his homeowner’s policy, because he was deemed too great a risk.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Next to the Western Wall is Al Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third-holiest site, which has also stood empty since the war started, canceling prayers during most of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ended 10 days ago.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That day, according to both Hall’s recollection and her visit records, the sonographer recorded the pregnancy as intrauterine.
    Emily Brindley Health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • For some, the recollection remains too painful.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The work-stoppage resulted in the cancellation of that fall’s World Series—a high-profile erasure the likes of which had happened only once before … in 1904.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Active noise cancellation helps keep the cabin quiet, while a six-speaker audio system provides solid sound for the daily commute.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The vehicle was later found abandoned at Clement Park in Littleton.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And to my teammates, my brothers, thank you for every moment, every battle, every joke, and every memory.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The works address cycles of labor, migration, and memory while also acknowledging the invisible structures that sustain communities.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • First bills signed Walz on Friday signed into law the first bills of the 2026 legislative session, including the repeal of Minnesota’s day honoring Latino labor icon and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Years later, Meridian Mayor Robert Simison was still urging a full repeal of the bill.
    Mark Dee March 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Why the Rooney Rule is being debated The Rooney Rule is again under scrutiny after Florida Republican attorney general James Uthmeier sent NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a letter earlier this month calling for the policy to be scrapped.
    Mac Engel March 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Democrats should commit to scrapping these taxes, which not only raise consumer prices but also slow growth, stifle competition and invite retaliation.
    Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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