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
As social media amplifies conflicts and remote work complicates communication, the ability to recognize and navigate high-conflict personalities can mean the difference between professional success and career derailment.
—
Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The Era of Personal Digital IDs Takes Shape 2025 will mark a turning point in the adoption of personal digital IDs, as consumers and businesses alike recognize their transformative potential.
—Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025
Fellow receiver Quentin Johnston recognized the importance of Davis’ play against the Broncos, but was more impressed by his former Texas Christian teammate’s diving catch in the first quarter against the New England Patriots on Saturday.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
The award recognizes a player who best demonstrates the integrity, spirit and dedication of a Seahawk.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for recognize 
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.
Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The Era of Personal Digital IDs Takes Shape 2025 will mark a turning point in the adoption of personal digital IDs, as consumers and businesses alike recognize their transformative potential.
—Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025
Fellow receiver Quentin Johnston recognized the importance of Davis’ play against the Broncos, but was more impressed by his former Texas Christian teammate’s diving catch in the first quarter against the New England Patriots on Saturday.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
The award recognizes a player who best demonstrates the integrity, spirit and dedication of a Seahawk.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for recognize
Dictionary Entries Near recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share