realize
verb (used with object)
to grasp or understand clearly.
had realized
-
past perfectof realize.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Former stars arrived in New York for one last payday once the rest of the league had realized their best days were done.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026
While breaking Russian codes, Simons had realized something.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 15, 2025
It became vividly apparent that membership in groups that give us a sense of meaning and identity — what I call tribes — is a much stronger driver of political behavior than I had realized.
From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2024
There’s an emerging consensus that they are more important than anyone had realized.
From Slate ● Feb. 4, 2024
In a corner of my mind I had realized that my mother was unreliable, hut Adele was a loving grandmother who had always done what she said.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
