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Definitions

realize

[ree-uh-lahyz] / ˈri əˌlaɪz /
VERB
appreciate, become aware of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
comprehend get grasp know recognize think understand
STRONG
apprehend catch conceive discern envisage envision fancy feature image imagine visualize
WEAK
be cognizant of become conscious of catch on get it get the idea get the picture get through one's head pick up see daylight take in vision
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disbelieve forget misinterpret miss mistake misunderstand
STRONG
disregard lose
WEAK
fail ignore neglect
VERB
accomplish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bring about carry out complete do
STRONG
actualize consummate effect effectuate fulfill materialize perfect perform reify
WEAK
bring off bring to fruition carry through corporealize make concrete make good make happen
Antonyms
STRONGEST
halt neglect stop
STRONG
fail
WEAK
ignore lose
VERB
gain, earn
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplish achieve attain get produce reach receive
STRONG
acquire clear make net obtain score win
WEAK
bring in go for make a profit rack up sell for take in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon depart fail give in give up leave lose miss surrender
STRONG
forfeit
WEAK
ignore neglect

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.

To realize its ambitions, the government has invested to build research labs and Ph.D. programs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“I don’t think people realize this: If you look at Columbia, the significant increase of foreign students—it’s up to 40% of the student body.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It was eye-opening to realize just how many women, mostly, belong to book clubs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The audience should be taken by surprise and realize, in the middle of their laughter, just how truly clever the joke is, causing them to laugh even harder.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

As I walk I realize that this street seems familiar not only because it reminds me of France but because I have been on it before, just a few days ago, with Theo.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing realize

Workshop 2, Part 1

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Ceremony

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!