RECOGNIZE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

recognize

verb

ˈre-kig-ˌnīz

Definition of recognize

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to honor

to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration an awards banquet to recognize local heroes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 recognize About 40 miles south of Nashville, on a river recognized as one of the most biodiverse in the world, stand the remains of a failed dam that just won’t stay dead. — Henry Liu, Washington Post, 21 July 2026 Now they are being flown to Bhutan - a country that still refuses to recognize them as citizens and expels them on arrival to India or Nepal. — Maansi Srivastava, NPR, 21 July 2026 Ultimately, 216 unique recruiting firms were recognized, with 90 firms on the executive search list, 150 on the professional search list and 120 on the temporary staffing list. — Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 In 2009, the Television Academy honored him with its Syd Cassyd Founders Award, recognizing Academy members who have made significant impact’s on the Academy. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

As with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The James and Angelia Harris (parents of Cameron) Foundation was also honored with the naming of the Morrison Family YMCA, the Observer reported.

— Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
The University of Miami football team was honored in the pregame ceremony.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

District Attorney Timothy Good thanked the grand jury for their service.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
And during last month’s France-Sweden match, one announcer briefly switched into English to thank viewers who don’t speak Spanish for watching.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of thank

Verb

Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race.

— Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Angela George The recount board is sticking around after business hours for now to tabulate ballots that needed to be duplicated after the voting machine could not read or decipher the ballot.

— Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

In the underwater video, an adult female orca is seen holding onto a dead sharp-tail sunfish that the group had previously killed.

— Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 July 2026
If a complaint or case number is available under the tab, click on it and read through the document to see the disciplinary record.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of see

Verb

The story of Grand Illusion has a coda that Captain de Boeldieu and Captain Von Ruffenstein might have appreciated.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Hikers and rainy destination-goers will also appreciate the discount on The North Face's Antora rain jacket.

— Kayla Becker, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026

Definition of appreciate

Browse Nearby Words

recognizances

recognize

recognized

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Style

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognize. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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