Definition of recallnext
1
as in recollection
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered his recall of the events of that turbulent time is significantly different from the accounts of other eyewitnesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recall distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect, remember, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

In what contexts can recollect take the place of recall?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of recall?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is it sensible to use remind instead of recall?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

When could reminisce be used to replace recall?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 recall
Verb
That would allow Florida to recall someone from the Charlotte Checkers, its American Hockey League affiliate. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 The star recalls explaining this to his father at least 10 times. — Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
According to memoryOS, users saw an average 70% increase in memory recall. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026 Berkshire Hathaway held a major GM stake when Barra became CEO, and Buffett delivered a crucial vote of confidence in her leadership amid the 2014 recall crisis. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • Wheel remembers seeing the XJS’s debut as a kid, and the controversy around it.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Charles Shepard, who anchored the Observer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of PTL in the 1980s, said history will remember Bakker for both his rise and his fall.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One person was killed in a strike on Riyadh airport, a Saudia Airlines plane was reportedly in flames, and hundreds of flights have been canceled.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • To try to ease tensions during loud stretches of construction, Zuckerberg’s staff handed out gifts like noise-canceling headphones.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • De Brigard would be the first to tell you that his recollection of that day may be flawed.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Then came an outpouring of recollections, anecdotes and tributes, from all corners of the internet.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Read More The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that improves their fit, superior noise cancellation, better bass, and fairly accurate heart rate sensors.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In our review, PCMag audio expert Tim Gideon lauded these headphones' above-average noise cancellation at their regular price.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Industry analysts note that abandoning the export ban reflects recognition that such restrictions could prove counterproductive.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • However, in the 7th century, this all vanished; the temples were abandoned and later looted, and Kea never again revived its trade or harbor settlements.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some companies supplying the AI boom are already making money, Hayes said, pointing to memory chipmakers and Nvidia.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Rising in hexagonal or octagonal forms amidst low-rise dwellings, these pagodas stand as emotional anchors of hometown memory.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The agency’s analysis projects up to $11 million in additional timber revenue from the repeal.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Other lawmakers were hesitant to support a repeal but said there should be significant changes.
    — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Other countries have also scrapped cash-for-residency programs, citing concerns ranging from dirty money to housing affordability.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There is a strong cargo backdrop as shippers scrap for space.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on recall

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!