recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈre-kig-ˌnīz 
-kəg-
recognized; recognizing
1
: to acknowledge formally: such as
a
: to admit as being lord or sovereign
b
: to admit as being of a particular status
c
: to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to
d
: to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2
: to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: such as
a
: to acknowledge with a show of appreciation
recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal
b
: to acknowledge acquaintance with
recognize a neighbor with a nod
3
a
: to perceive to be something or someone previously known
recognized the word
b
: to perceive clearly : realize
recognizer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of recognize in a Sentence
I didn't recognize you at first with your new haircut.
I can always recognize him from far away by the way he walks.
They recognized the odor at once.
The U.S. government has now recognized the newly formed country.
They refused to recognize the treaty.
Recent Examples on the Web
But the enduring Odyssey should be more fairly recognized.
—
James Raia, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
One day, on Chardy’s arrival at the airport in Havana, an official recognized him, placing his fingers over his eyes to indicate that the journalist’s bushy eyebrows gave him away.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2024
Honorees were recognized for their long history of speaking up about injustice and important community issues
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Stay silent and nothing changes, especially for women.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024
Recently recognized as a Top Business in 2023 by both Sarasota and Manatee County Chambers of Commerce, One Stop Housing continues to break ground on new developments.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
Maybe Carrie is there to teach us to take a step back and recognize our own flaws.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
The darker markings shrink their body outlines, and in sunlight underwater, some prey might not recognize the whale as a dangerous predator.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024
Among The Bee’s winning entries was the work of reporters Lindsey Holden and Matthew Miranda in the category of Capitol Enterprise, recognizing journalism that takes a deeper look at the decisions made by state lawmakers, the influences behind them and their effect on the broader public.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 12 Apr. 2024
The annual honor recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
James Raia, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
One day, on Chardy’s arrival at the airport in Havana, an official recognized him, placing his fingers over his eyes to indicate that the journalist’s bushy eyebrows gave him away.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2024
Honorees were recognized for their long history of speaking up about injustice and important community issues
Facebook
Show more sharing options
Stay silent and nothing changes, especially for women.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024
Recently recognized as a Top Business in 2023 by both Sarasota and Manatee County Chambers of Commerce, One Stop Housing continues to break ground on new developments.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
Maybe Carrie is there to teach us to take a step back and recognize our own flaws.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
The darker markings shrink their body outlines, and in sunlight underwater, some prey might not recognize the whale as a dangerous predator.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024
Among The Bee’s winning entries was the work of reporters Lindsey Holden and Matthew Miranda in the category of Capitol Enterprise, recognizing journalism that takes a deeper look at the decisions made by state lawmakers, the influences behind them and their effect on the broader public.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 12 Apr. 2024
The annual honor recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recognize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz
ˈrek-əg-
recognized; recognizing
1
: to be willing to admit : acknowledge
recognized my own faults
2
: to admit as qualified to be heard at a meeting
recognizes the delegate from Arkansas
3
: to grant diplomatic recognition to
recognized the new government
4
: to take approving notice of
recognize an act of bravery with a medal
5
: to show one is acquainted with
recognize someone with a nod
6
: to know and remember upon seeing
I didn't recognize you in that new hairdo
Etymology
derived from early French reconoistre "to recognize," from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- "again" and cognoscere "to know" — related to connoisseur, incognito
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