recognize

1 to have a clear idea of finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost Synonyms appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, comprehend, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understandRelated Words absorb, digest, take in; realize; fathom, penetrate, pierceNear Antonyms misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstandAntonyms miss

2 to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration an awards banquet to recognize local heroes Synonyms fete (or fête), honorRelated Words acknowledge, cite, commend, compliment, credit, thank; extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, praise, tout; acclaim, applaud, cheer, hail, laureate, salute; celebrate, commemorate, memorialize, observe; congratulate, felicitateNear Antonyms discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame; bad-mouth, defame, libel, malign, slander; boo, hiss, hoot, jeer; censure, condemn, damn, denounce, reprobate; mock, put down, ridicule, slight