Synonyms for

Recognize

Verb / ˈrekʌˌgnaɪz / Another word for recognize — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to identify someone or something seen before

Synonyms & similar words

realise recognise acknowledge agnize agnise distinguish know realize pickout greet accredit spot discern tellapart makeout identify know remember acknowledge admit realize understand distinguish discern perceive spot detect diagnose grasp comprehend appreciate fathom sense see observe

Synonyms by register

Formal

identify perceive ascertain distinguish

Informal

know spot place figure out

Literary

discern apprehend behold

Antonyms

disregard ignore overlook miss unfamiliarize neglect

Common collocations

  • recognize the importance
  • recognize the signs
  • recognize a face
  • recognize the problem
  • recognize the need
  • recognize someone's efforts
  • recognize the difference

Word family

noun recognition
verb recognize
adjective recognizable
adverb recognizably

Usage note

Often used to mean 'to know someone or something again when you see or hear them'. Can also mean 'to accept that something is true or important'.

Example sentences

  1. I can recognize my mom's voice.
  2. The police officer could recognize the suspect from the photo.
  3. I recognize this song from the radio.
  4. I didn't recognize you with your new haircut.
  5. She recognized the handwriting on the letter.

Quotes

  • It's a brilliant surface in that sunlight. The horizon seems quite close to you because the curvature is so much more pronounced than here on earth. It's an interesting place to be. I recommend it.
  • I've never met a person who couldn't be kind to me. Unless they were insane or something.
  • All creatures, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it.

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