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 The strategy unlocked demand airlines hadn’t fully recognized, encouraging more travelers to trade up and laying the groundwork for today’s broader premium push. — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 7 July 2026 As of July 2026, 11 of 10,000 saints recognized by the Catholic Church have come from the United States. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026 Petro refused Monday to recognize de la Espriella’s electoral victory, alleging fraud without providing evidence. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 The invasion-of-privacy claim was also dismissed because state law doesn’t recognize claims based on the disclosure of private facts, and the employees had willingly provided their information to Bojangles as part of the hiring process. — Chase Jordan july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

When choosing a warranty, review the contract, check what is covered, and understand the claims process.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
However, it is rarely used on mainstream weather maps and by TV meteorologists, who favor the heat index that has long reigned supreme and is easily understood by the public.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The girls beamed dancing with the smiling Johnson, who honored his co-star Catherine Laga'aia (the live-action Moana) in the dance.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Months after his sudden departure, Cora honored his pledge to donate $20,000 to The Jimmy Fund, a cancer research charity, after first baseman Willson Contreras reached 20 home runs.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Cape Verde 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, also known as Vozinha, became a fan favorite along the way.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Citizens Action Coalition Program Organizer Bryce Gustafson thanked people for coming out and reminded people Wednesday's vote is not the end of the fight.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Madrid made the announcement on Thursday and thanked Scariolo, who took over at the club last year after a stint with Spain's national team.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of thank

Verb

In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
On Thursday, the University of Kentucky announced a new $1 million prize to anyone able to decipher a complete scroll, a feat the researchers once considered impossible, by June next year.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
The pair even goes on a quasi-date playing beer pong this week with Kendall and Shai, who can see right through Liam’s act.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Caparelli-Ruff said the office appreciated working with the County Board to receive bipartisan support for school safety improvements.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
In Texas, appreciating the process of patriotism Rodney Ellis will celebrate at picnics around his precinct in Houston with barbecue pork ribs and ice tea, and a heaping helping of worry about the nation's future.

— Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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