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 Fitzpatrick’s ability to recognize formations and communicate adjustments could be particularly valuable against that attack. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 Duong recognized her father had really been writing to himself to confront an untold past. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026 Beyond shedding light on the history of our own planet, understanding how oxygen, nutrients and life evolved together on Earth could also help scientists recognize similar conditions on ocean-bearing worlds elsewhere, the researchers added. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Its collection of scientific specimens is widely recognized as one of the most important in the world. — Andrew Stelzer, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize

Verb

If a degree needs to equip students for life outside of college, then a big part of that is understanding what employers are looking for.

— Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 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 understand

Verb

Ho, who co-founded 852 Films, picked up the Fantastic Icon Award at BIFAN’s 30th edition, honoring her body of work in genre film.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
The discovery led to a complete redesign of the project, shifting the hotel inland to preserve the sacred site and honor the ancestors who remain there.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Can the letter writer let sister know her fuss over food and product choices for 4-year-old nephew is hard to watch?

— Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
Speaking of nail-biters, Marisa Berenson, better known for her roles in front of the camera, is in the process of putting together her own movie project.

— Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Serve these together as a warm appetizer plate and thank me later.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
But thank you very much, Nebraska, for Fred Astaire, Johnny Carson and Henry Fonda, who, by the way, was born in Grand Island, where Trump made his cracks Monday about California.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of thank

Verb

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
In addition to developing better medicines or fragrances, 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.

— Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

But the argument for Oura’s valuation depends on whether or not investors are seeing it as a single-product hardware maker or something bigger and more expansion potential.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Audiences unaware that Altman is gay might pick up on subtle hints in Garfield’s performance, before Musk jokes about it during a dinner scene or a boyfriend is finally seen well into the film.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

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
The resulting consequences to the information ecosystem are hard to comprehend, with Brown Brothers Media claiming to vacuum up tens of millions of views via their scheme.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

The combined engineering of spatial, acoustic and visual experiences is, perhaps, still not fully appreciated.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Over the course of Fincher’s deal, Hollywood has come to appreciate the cultural currency that a major theatrical rollout can offer.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognize

verb

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