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
Lopez: When I met Anthony and Judy together and he had realized all the things she told me, he would look at her, like, “Are we talking about this?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2024
Gay conservatives are a minority, but they are more prevalent than I had realized.
From Slate ● Jun. 15, 2024
The two of them had plowed through this conversation a dozen times before, until Tally had realized there was no convincing Shay that her personality had changed.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
