Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Recognize” — 3 Other Ways to Say It
To see someone or something and know who or what they are because you have seen them before.
Meaning of Recognize
To know or identify someone or something that you have seen before.
How to Pronounce Recognize
IPA: /ˈrɛkəɡnaɪz/ Stress: Ooo
Four syllables: REC-ug-NIZE. Stress on first syllable REC and third syllable NIZE.
3 Synonyms for Recognize — Words Similar to Recognize
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
identify
/aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/To recognize or discover who something is, or to figure out what makes it different or special.
Example: The police officer asked the witness to identify the suspect.
know
/noʊ/To understand or have information about something; to be familiar with someone or a place.
Example: I know your sister from school.
remember
/rɪˈmembər/Think of something again that happened before.
Example: I remember my first day at school.
Smart Synonyms for Recognize — When to Use Each
identify
for naming or determining exactly what something is
remember
for recalling from memory someone seen before
spot
for noticing or seeing someone in a crowd
Antonyms of Recognize — Opposite Words
How to Use Recognize and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I recognized my friend at the airport from a distance. A2
- She did not recognize him because he had changed a lot. B1
- Experts can recognize ancient coins by their markings and composition. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Recognize
What is another word for "recognize"?
Common synonyms for "recognize" include: identify, know, remember.
What can I say instead of "recognize"?
Try one of these alternatives: identify, know, remember. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "recognize" formal or informal?
"recognize" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "recognize" instead of "identify"?
Use "recognize" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "identify" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "recognize"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "recognize" include: forget, overlook.