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Definitions

recognize

[rek-uhg-nahyz] / ˈrɛk əgˌnaɪz /
VERB
identify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admit know make note notice observe perceive remember see
STRONG
descry diagnose distinguish espy finger nail peg pinpoint place recall recollect remark sight spot tag verify
WEAK
be familiar button down determinate diagnosticate flash on know again make out ring a bell tab
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny forget ignore misinterpret miss misunderstand neglect overlook refuse
STRONG
lose unfasten
WEAK
disapprove
VERB
acknowledge, understand;
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admit agree allow appreciate grant honor make perceive realize respect sanction see
STRONG
assent avow comprehend concede confess greet own salute
WEAK
approve accept be aware of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
condemn deny disallow disapprove dispute disrespect dissent fail ignore lose neglect overlook prevent protest refuse reject veto
STRONG
disagree disavow disown repudiate
WEAK
miss misunderstand

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.

You need to recognize that all this may have made you more receptive to taking big risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Finally, recognize that a retirement plan isn’t just math — it’s also behavior.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Shares should command a much higher valuation premium than its current multiple, returning to a price/earnings ratio that peaked above 20 times in 2021 as the market begins to recognize the platform’s potential.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Levy brings a soft-spoken breathlessness you may recognize from his David Rose on “Schitt’s”; his softly muttered “OK,” which might just mean “stop talking,” is almost a trademark.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

I caught a glimpse of the elevator operator who’d been brave enough to risk his own life to save others, and I wondered if history would ever recognize him for the hero he was.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing recognize

Vocabulary of the Common Core

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4

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