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Definitions

recognizance

[ri-kog-nuh-zuhns, -kon-uh-] / rɪˈkɒg nə zəns, -ˈkɒn ə- /
NOUN
bail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bond warrant
STRONG
collateral guarantee pawn pledge security surety warranty
Antonyms
STRONG
break
NOUN
guarantee
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agreement assurance certificate collateral contract deposit insurance security warranty
STRONG
attestation bail bargain bond certainty certification charter covenant earnest gage guaranty lock oath pawn pipe surety testament token undertaking vow warrant word
WEAK
sure thing word of honor
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreement uncertainty
STRONG
breach break
NOUN
recognition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acceptance admission appreciation awareness concession perception realization respect understanding
STRONG
allowance apperception assimilation avowal cognizance confession consciousness detection discovery memory notice recall recollection recurrence remembering remembrance salute sensibility tumble
WEAK
acknowledging apprehending double take high sign identifying noticing perceiving recalling verifying
Antonyms
STRONGEST
denial disagreement disbelief refusal repudiation
STRONG
forgetfulness ignorance miss
WEAK
abuse disclaimer dishonor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court on April 1.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

After attorney Michael Schuster entered the not-guilty plea on behalf of his client, Diggs was released on his own recognizance and ordered to have no contact with his accuser.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

A judge released Lemon without bail on his own recognizance.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Lemon was released on his own recognizance after a brief court appearance in Los Angeles and has vowed to fight the charges.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Daddy Clidell was to look after me but I was more or less left on my own recognizance and under the unsteady gaze of our lady roomers.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing recognizance

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