The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - recognize v.

1) identify, detect, place, recall, remember, recollect, know (again) : I recognized him from seeing his picture in the newspaper. 2) acknowledge, perceive, understand, realize, see, admit, accept, own, concede, allow, grant, appreciate, respect, be aware of: He refuses to recognize that he is responsible for his own actions. 3) approve, sanction, endorse, accept, validate, ratify: A totalitarian government refuses to recognize the rights of the individual. 4) honour, give recognition to, salute, show gratitude or appreciation, reward, distinguish, pay respect, do homage: The society recognizes Dr Jackson for his many contributions to science.