recognize

verb

ˈre-kig-ˌnīz How to pronounce recognize (audio)
Definition of recognizenext
1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 About 40 miles south of Nashville, on a river recognized as one of the most biodiverse in the world, stand the remains of a failed dam that just won’t stay dead. — Henry Liu, Washington Post, 21 July 2026 Now they are being flown to Bhutan - a country that still refuses to recognize them as citizens and expels them on arrival to India or Nepal. — Maansi Srivastava, NPR, 21 July 2026 Ultimately, 216 unique recruiting firms were recognized, with 90 firms on the executive search list, 150 on the professional search list and 120 on the temporary staffing list. — Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 In 2009, the Television Academy honored him with its Syd Cassyd Founders Award, recognizing Academy members who have made significant impact’s on the Academy. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognize
  1. understand
  2. honor
  3. know
  4. thank
  5. decipher
  6. see
  7. comprehend
  8. appreciate
Verb
  • Instead of diluting its elite credibility to reach a broader audience, the brand translated that credibility into environments where the average person could understand its every day relevance.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Even more unnerving than the sheer volume is how little the impact is understood and accounted for.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of understand
Verb
  • For many people, body art is a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone, honor a loved one of simply express their individuality.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • As a way to honor her late sister’s memory, Sarah became president of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund from September 1997 until its dissolution in 2012.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 July 2026
Definition of honor
Verb
  • Funen is a historic spot known for its 123 castles and estates, and Odense is particularly lovely, with characterful old streets, lush greenery, and inspiring museums that add to its charm.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • What was once known as Westport Middle School opened in 1924 and closed in 2009.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • People making folk music around the world have a nonprofit based in Kansas City to thank for improving their odds of scoring a Grammy Award next year.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Why does the bartender do this and why does the cowboy thank him?
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of thank
Verb
  • Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements.
    — Sarah DiGregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
  • Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race.
    — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Definition of decipher
Verb
  • About half of these projects, which included an internal AI assistant to help the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration answer taxpayers’ questions, didn’t see long-term implementation.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Still, though, there was a roughly 45-minute team period that saw the offense and defense go against each other in various situations.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of see
Verb
  • Bible said what investigators found on Luke Poteete's phone is difficult to comprehend.
    — Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Dodson, after all, was the green-dot guy (the person who gets the calls from the sideline), something that can be rather difficult for a rookie to immediately comprehend.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Definition of comprehend
Verb
  • Residents seeking privacy and seclusion will appreciate how this 8,000-square-foot residence feels completely tucked away.
    — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lines form images of animals that can only be fully appreciated from planes or viewing towers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of appreciate

Browse Nearby Words

recognizances
recognize
recognized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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