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Definitions

identify

[ahy-den-tuh-fahy, ih-den-] / aɪˈdɛn təˌfaɪ, ɪˈdɛn- /
VERB
recognize; label
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analyze classify describe determine diagnose establish find name pinpoint select single out spot
STRONG
card catalog distinguish peg place separate tag
WEAK
button down determinate diagnosticate make out pick out put one's finger on tab
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confuse lose miss overlook
WEAK
mistake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for identify?
There are a lot of good synonyms for identify—which one to use depends on what exactly you want to mean. Here are some of the main ones:
  • recognize—to be able to tell what something is (and often to know its name), as in He immediately identified/recognized it as a monarch butterfly. 
  • diagnose or pinpoint, as in My mechanic was finally able to identify/diagnose/pinpoint the problem. 
  • associate, such as with a certain group or belief, as in She’s known for identifying/associating with the party’s reform wing. 
  • distinguish, as in Her height identified/distinguished her as the volleyball player. 
  • establish (who someone is), as in He has been identified/established as the main suspect. Relatedly, to identify someone is to figure out who they are—to establish their identity.
Sometimes, to identify in some way means to consider some characteristic as an inherent part of your identity (and perhaps to make this publicly known), as in I identify as nonbinary or She proudly identifies as Mexican American. Another way to express this is simply by using forms of the verb be, as in I am nonbinary.
Are identify and determine synonyms?
Yes, identify and determine can be synonyms when they mean the same thing as diagnose and pinpoint, among other things.
Does identify mean the same thing as list?
Let’s say you’re taking a test that asks you to identify the world’s oceans. In this case, yes, you’re required to list them. Of course, if you’re asked to come to the front of the classroom and identify them on a map, you’re really being asked to demonstrate that you can recognize them by pointing them out (as opposed to listing them out loud or on paper).
What is an antonym (opposite) of identify?
There are a few different words that you can use as the opposite of identify. The most direct opposite of identify is misidentify, which means to identify something incorrectly. For example, a newspaper story might misidentify someone by providing the wrong name. The police might misidentify a suspect—meaning they got the wrong person. A birder might misidentify a bird due to thinking it’s a different one that’s similar. When identify means to determine, diagnose, or pinpoint something, the opposite of doing this is to overlook or miss something entirely. To misdiagnose a problem is to incorrectly identify something as the problem (when it’s really not).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It could also help identify people at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, even before any symptoms appear.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

To crack down on GRATs, for instance, the legislation would need to more precisely identify which practices are most problematic, “instead of increasing the cost of a legitimate investment vehicle,” McBride says.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Eye-rolling over Gorka’s bombast has given way to anxiety about the administration’s preparedness to identify and stop major plots.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Scientists there analyze it to identify genetic mutations unique to that patient’s cancer, encode them into an mRNA vaccine and return the vaccine to New York in about nine weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

For almost a century, the inventor of a way to identify people was never properly identified.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary lists containing identify

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!