RECOGNIZED Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

recognized 1 of 2

adjective

as in respected

having a good reputation especially in a field of knowledge recognized experts on stem cell research

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recognized

2 of 2

verb

past tense of recognize

as in understood

to have a clear idea of finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost

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as in honored

to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration an awards banquet to recognize local heroes

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Example 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 recognized

Verb

Many university students have turned the ROI factor into the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers, and many of the top ranking schools were recognized for their STEM programs. — Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The attempt to rename the gulf, which has gone by the same name since the 16th Century, drew international opposition, and numerous media outlets vowed to stick with the common and internationally recognized usage. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 And Sigma Chi—no longer recognized by Penn State because of previous drug and alcohol violations—was placed on interim suspension by its headquarters. — Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Raytown South boys basketball coach Reggie Morris was recognized as a Shut Out the Stigma Advocate. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer and diabetes were recognized as clusters of symptoms and signs before advances in science and technology could pinpoint the biological mechanisms that cause each disease. — Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Being formally recognized as one of the best football players in the world, at the site of the future Olympics, is likely to carry appeal. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Thomas, now 20, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male professor, breaking a 306-year-old record once held by a 19-year-old. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 The city also recognized the frustration some residents had following the July 18 bus crash and encouraged them to submit formal claims. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognized

Adjective

And Johnson, as one of the sport’s most respected offensive visionaries, brings a trust factor that generates significant excitement.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Dirden will play Greg Reagan, a respected District Court judge and Anaya’s (Wise) husband.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of respected

Verb

The memorandum of understanding that was reached in June called for a ceasefire that has been honored in the breach.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
For King, The American Legion volunteers’ clean-up efforts honored the veterans buried at the cemetery and showed him those individuals have not been forgotten.

— Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of honored

Verb

With the amount of firepower that Geneva graduated from last year’s lineup, senior forward Gabe Barwiolek knew the burden to score was going to fall upon his shoulders.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
The grand jury said then-state Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office knew of the plans to divert the money.

— Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of knew

Adjective

Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.

— Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The Oscar-winning actress has written a new musical stage adaptation around the character, set to open on London’s prestigious theater scene in the summer of 2027.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Its work-in-progress was also one of five titles at the 2025 prestigious and highly selective Annecy Animation Showcase at the Cannes Festival’s Marché du Film.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of prestigious

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“Recognized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognized. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of recognized

adjective

verb

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