recall 1 of 2

Definition of recallnext

recall

2 of 2

noun

1
as in recollection
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered his recall of the events of that turbulent time is significantly different from the accounts of other eyewitnesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recall distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect, remember, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

In what contexts can recollect take the place of recall?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of recall?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is it sensible to use remind instead of recall?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

When could reminisce be used to replace recall?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

How is the word recall distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recall are recollect, remember, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

In what contexts can recollect take the place of recall?

The words recollect and recall are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of recall?

The meanings of remember and recall largely overlap; however, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is it sensible to use remind instead of recall?

Although the words remind and recall have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

When could reminisce be used to replace recall?

While in some cases nearly identical to recall, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 recall
Verb
The Blue Oval is recalling over 140,000 vehicles according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 The Brewers made a series of moves prior to the game, recalling first baseman/outfielder Tyler Black and left-hander Shane Drohan from Triple-A Nashville. CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
For all three recalls, consumers are advised to immediately stop using the stools and to contact the respective companies for full refunds. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 Former County Executive Frank White Jr. took issue with the Royals’ proposal and timeline that year, which some have attributed as a factor to his recall in September 2025. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recall
Verb
  • This pick, remember, came as part of a brilliant trade Snead made a year ago with Atlanta.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Some of these cards can cost nearly $1,000—but are marketed as being worth thousands more in perks, only if the cardholder remembers to use it accordingly.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They were also evacuated soon afterward, and the event canceled, to be rescheduled.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The annual dinner was later canceled and will be rescheduled.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Although set in 1939, the story is framed as a recollection narrated in the present day by Julia herself, now an elderly woman and survivor of the many atrocities of the 20th century.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In spite of their initial resistance, Didion’s writing pulls buried recollections to the surface.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • TikTok star Charli D’Amelio and her family scored a reality show with Hulu following a brush with internet cancellation.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
  • During the five-week April break, an unusual gap in the calendar, caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs due to the Iran War, prompted several meetings on the regulations.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Even as anthropologists were decisively abandoning totemism, however, the idea was gaining cultural credibility elsewhere.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Mason’s project is a prime example of how journalists are reaching audiences who have abandoned traditional TV for streaming.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Sad memories of last year — when Wooten lost a tiebreaker in her state championship singles match to hand Palmetto the title — are all but erased.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In the wake of Kirk’s murder, and the high-profile punishments incurred by those who weren’t properly remorseful, Kirk morphed into one of the most widespread memes in recent memory.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Attorney General has been the state’s first line of defense as the federal government has tried to strip California’s funding over issues ranging from trying to force a repeal of state climate rules to a decade-old law protecting transgender athletes from discrimination.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But since repeal is unlikely to gain favor with California’s political leadership, serious consideration should be given to some sort of temporary suspension.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After an initial attempt to resume the event, it was scrapped for the night and will be rescheduled.
    Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • However, the third act finale was scrapped after attorneys for the Jackson estate, who also served as a producer, realized there was a clause in a settlement with one of the singer’s accusers, Jordan Chandler, that barred the depiction or mention of him in any movie.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recall. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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