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 Now in its fifth year, the Albies were established by George and Amal Clooney to recognize individuals and organizations fighting for justice and human rights. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026 Hobbyists undoubtedly recognize certain cards' escalating values, but nostalgia, camaraderie and the pure fun of collecting are the prime motivators. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 On their final night, the veteran took her hand and urged her to recognize and embrace her own abilities — and to chase the rare opportunity that her unique background has opened up. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Soho House was the first to recognize this with the opening of its Somerset outpost Babington House in 1998, but more recent clubs such as Soho Farmhouse, the Newt, and Manor Estelle redefined the weekend away. — Mark Cecil, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

But the really impactful part is understanding the function and developing it into a tool.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
The committee isn’t fully aware of the muddy bog in which Taverner is currently sinking, but Lamb is starting to understand the shape of it.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Measuring more than 10 feet by 9 feet, Amwan Agwe… (2026), for example, depicts green hills and blue waves alongside the skulls, candles, and fish that nod to Fèt Gede, Haiti’s annual festival honoring the spirits of the dead.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
On Tuesday night at the Prospect Park Borough building, they were honored as outstanding citizens for their quick thinking, courage and life-saving acts.

— Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Just 20% of Gen Z knew their exact interest rate on their credit debt—the lowest of any generation and well below baby boomers.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
The low-lying coastal area is known for its powdery white sand beaches dotted with vacation homes, waterfront bars and seafood shacks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Sponsors need to be thanked, receptions need suitable hours and screenings need audiences.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
The Vatican released a letter Leo wrote to Re on Sunday — the day of his announcement — thanking him for his lifelong service to the church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of thank

Verb

Bahdanau was working with artificial neural networks, which had already shown promise in pattern-recognition tasks such as deciphering handwriting and identifying objects in photos.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

But the spring 2027 shows also saw a focus on more than those two accessories categories.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.

— Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

That straining to comprehend the irrational fog of human emotions is the show’s explicit subject only clarifies the problem rather than neutralizing it.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Unfortunately, the average consumer doesn’t have the knowledge necessary to comprehend and act on those results.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

While allowing red fuel isn't going to solve all problems, as mentioned here previously, the temporary diesel policy is appreciated by diesel users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
History and architecture lovers will appreciate that the wood trim and carved detailing remain untouched.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of appreciate

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recognize

recognized

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Style

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognize. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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