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
To become a real catalyst for smart nuclear growth in Africa, the AfDB needs to ditch its outdated ban on nuclear projects and openly recognize atomic energy as part of the continent’s clean power future.
—
W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Ino also announced that to recognize the outstanding efforts of film commissions, which play an indispensable role in location shooting, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has established a new Minister’s Award this year.
—Mark Schilling, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Babenzien credited Supreme with recognizing the difference and addressing it, leading the company to essentially redefine the sport’s style in the 1990s and 2000s.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Valley Metro will recognize Mortgage Matchup Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
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W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Ino also announced that to recognize the outstanding efforts of film commissions, which play an indispensable role in location shooting, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has established a new Minister’s Award this year.
—Mark Schilling, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Babenzien credited Supreme with recognizing the difference and addressing it, leading the company to essentially redefine the sport’s style in the 1990s and 2000s.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Valley Metro will recognize Mortgage Matchup Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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