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
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
Gladly aims to deepen loyalty by delivering experiences where customers feel recognized.
—
Joseph Ansanelli, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Biden didn’t address Trump’s Memorial Day attacks, though a message posted to the 46th president’s Facebook page recognized the holiday.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Sun Sentinel 2 Florida beaches land on Dr. Beach’s top 10 list for 2025
Two of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches have been recognized among the top 10 beaches in America, according to an annual ranking from Dr. Beach.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Longtime fans of the show will recognize this as some of June’s voiceover from the very first episode.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
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Joseph Ansanelli, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Biden didn’t address Trump’s Memorial Day attacks, though a message posted to the 46th president’s Facebook page recognized the holiday.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Sun Sentinel 2 Florida beaches land on Dr. Beach’s top 10 list for 2025
Two of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches have been recognized among the top 10 beaches in America, according to an annual ranking from Dr. Beach.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Longtime fans of the show will recognize this as some of June’s voiceover from the very first episode.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 30 May. 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
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