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 new system uses machine-learning algorithms to recognize patterns associated with volatile organic compounds, the molecules responsible for smells, and classify them into odor categories. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 One of Indian democracy’s great achievements is that even its poorest citizens have proved adept at recognizing when the power of their vote is being wrested away, gauging the consequences and organizing to resist. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 The number of women being recognized by the IBMA is a key advancement on the scene. — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026 Miami even wore throwback orange jerseys modeled after that ‘01 team, which was recognized on the field at halftime. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

The findings could help scientists understand how electrons behave under intense electric fields and develop new ways to control electronic materials using light.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Most state lawmakers understand this, but some pivotal decisions are being made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

— Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

DJs take over late on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays belong to samba and feijoada meals, honoring the local tradition of gathering with loved ones on weekends to enjoy the black bean and meat stew.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
It's filled with favorite foods, drinks and treats — from Mexican Coke to Ecuadorian sodas — honoring people as individuals.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Anyone who has worked at a fast-growing company at the edge of technology knows that obligations, circumstances and products change daily.

— Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

And Hawke shares why fans of the ambiguous ending to Paul Schrader’s 2018 religious drama, First Reformed, should thank Martin Scorsese.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Less than three weeks after the crash, Saint James recorded an interview with Tim Russert for the Today show to thank those who had reached out to her and her family.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 27 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

The attacks, which saw 1,195 people killed and 251 taken into Gaza as hostages, triggered a major security crisis that led to three years of war on multiple fronts.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
The offense had a healthy-enough balance with the run game (more on that in a bit) to involve multiple pass-catchers, and the trio of leading receivers saw the immediate benefits.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Infinite Jasons • MacNamara is so far from comprehending the box that his Jason looked utterly bored by his questions.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Squires recalled spending time talking with his neighbor and said the loss of the man and his wife was difficult to comprehend.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

Even someone actively avoiding the trend cycle can appreciate a new way to wear their sweater vest and white button-down shirt.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
Some participants appreciate the light-hearted and good-natured humor, expressing gratitude and finding it timely and amusing.

— Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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