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 Other white shark nurseries recognized globally are in the coastal waters off California, Mexico and Australia. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Eventually, the market began to view AI as a growth driver as investors recognized that attackers can weaponize the same technology. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Acosta’s parole officer recognized him from surveillance video that circulated among law enforcement and in local news coverage, police said. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 At the 2019 Revolve Awards, Sulewski’s channel was recognized as the YouTube channel of the year. — Grace Smith, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

Luiz understands that aspect, too, acknowledging that Sporting KC needed him four separate times during Thursday’s news conference.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Instead of starting with a new component, its engineers worked to understand the hardware already available to NAVAIR.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Brad Pitt sent a message to George Clooney as the Michael Clayton star was honored Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Last night marked a huge milestone in the career of George Clooney, who was honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Early in the show, Styles thanked opening act Jamie XX and then took a moment to acknowledge a full-circle moment on this opening night.

— Karla Cote, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Council members thanked Saunders for his apology and the censure item was approved by 4-1 vote, with Saunders as the only no vote.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of thank

Verb

These documents that make up your pathology report are important for guiding your treatment but can be difficult to decipher on your own.

— Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
And navigating a website might involve deciphering images or knowing what links to click.

— Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

Barclays projects that palm oil, coconut oil, and rubber could rise by 30% to 40% over the next 18 months, coffee could see an additional 20% to 30% surge, and rice could increase by a further 10% to 20%.

— , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Authorities initially said Saylor’s mother reported that her child had wandered off from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island and was last seen wearing her swimsuit.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Junior quarterback Aaron McCormack, who is the coach’s son and ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Justin Slaven, is among the teammates who quickly came to appreciate Harris’ talents.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
One shopper appreciated the cushy insoles, while another called out how surprisingly soft the leather feels.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of appreciate

Browse Nearby Words

recognizances

recognize

recognized

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognize. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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