RECALL Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'recall' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect , remember , remind , and reminisce . While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech. // can't recall the words of the song

Q: In what contexts can 'recollect' take the place of 'recall'?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered. // as near as I can recollect

Q: When can 'remember' be used instead of 'recall'?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled. // remembers that day as though it were yesterday

Q: When is it sensible to use 'remind' instead of 'recall'?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity. // that reminds me of a story

Q: When could 'reminisce' be used to replace 'recall'?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall , reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone. // old college friends like to reminisce

recall 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈkȯl

Definition of recall next

as in to remember

to bring back to mind I don't recall meeting you before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cancel

to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) I'll recall my purchase order if the company refuses to guarantee that it'll arrive before Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recall

2 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkȯl

as in recollection

a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered his recall of the events of that turbulent time is significantly different from the accounts of other eyewitnesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in cancelation

the act of putting an end to something planned or previously agreed to we can't get a refund on the plane tickets, so the trip is beyond recall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recall distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect, remember, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

In what contexts can recollect take the place of recall?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of recall?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is it sensible to use remind instead of recall?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

When could reminisce be used to replace recall?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of recall

Verb

Researchers found an association between an additional 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, as measured by tracker data, and better short-term working memory and longer-term episodic memory, which is the ability to recall specific events the next day. —

Lauryn Higgins, Health, 17 Dec. 2024 Psychological studies show that recalling personal achievements strengthens self-efficacy. —

Tess Brigham, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

The recall now covers cucumbers and related products sold in 35 states and five provinces of Canada. —

Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 After the recall elections, Republicans pushed for the Legislature to adjourn early, and the Free Press editorial board joined those calls. —

Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall

Verb

Mercurio remembered the moment as simple but astonishing.

Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024
My Michigan Wolverines beat the Ohio State Buckeyes in one of the greatest upsets anyone can remember.

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024