recognizance

noun

re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
-ˈkä-nə-
Synonyms of recognizancenext
1
a
: an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (such as appearance in court) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture
released on his own recognizance
b
: the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation
2
archaic : token, pledge

Examples of recognizance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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All three also made brief court appearances and were released on their recognizance, according to court records. — Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 The magistrate judge ordered the four released on personal recognizance and said they were not required to be under supervision. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Gabrielle Hanson and Randolph were released under supervised own recognizance over prosecutors' objections, while Jonathan Hanson was ordered held without bail. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Both were released under supervised own recognizance after their arraignment on Tuesday. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognizance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recognissance, alteration of reconissaunce, from Anglo-French, from reconoistre to recognize

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recognizance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing recognizance

Browse Nearby Words

recognizably
recognizance
recognizant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognizance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recognizance

noun
re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
-ˈkän-ə-
: a recorded legal promise to do something (as to appear in court)

Legal Definition

recognizance

noun
re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zəns How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
1
: an obligation entered into on the record before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as the paying of a debt) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture
also : the sum liable to forfeiture
2
: a simple personal obligation or undertaking (as to appear in court) entered into before a magistrate and having no money penalty attached
released on his own recognizance
Etymology

Anglo-French recognisance, reconisance, literally, recognition, from Old French reconoisance, from reconoistre to recognize, from Latin recognoscere

More from Merriam-Webster on recognizance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recognizance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recognizance

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