cognizance
noun
cog·ni·zance
ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s 
1
: a distinguishing mark or emblem (such as a heraldic bearing)
2
b
: notice, acknowledgment
take cognizance of their achievement
Examples of cognizance in a Sentence
They seemed to have no cognizance of the crime.
take cognizance of what is happening
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2016, Deloitte coined the six signature traits of inclusive leadership: cognizance or self-awareness, curiosity, cultural intelligence, commitment, courage, and collaboration.
—
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The two Democrats, Needleman of Essex and Steinberg of Westport, are co-chairman of the Legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, which has cognizance over PURA.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
Given his compassionate cognizance of money management, Dr. Michels and the entire Michels Family Financial crew push to distinguish their offerings to clients.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Outside of vaginoplasty, there’s no procedure where cognizance of touch response is as integral to surgical success.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cognizance
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Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The two Democrats, Needleman of Essex and Steinberg of Westport, are co-chairman of the Legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, which has cognizance over PURA.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
Given his compassionate cognizance of money management, Dr. Michels and the entire Michels Family Financial crew push to distinguish their offerings to clients.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Outside of vaginoplasty, there’s no procedure where cognizance of touch response is as integral to surgical success.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cognizance
Cite this Entry
“Cognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognizance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cognizance
noun
cog·ni·zance
ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s
1
: particular knowledge
had no cognizance of the crime
2
cognizant
adjective
-zənt
Legal Definition
cognizance
noun
cog·ni·zance
ˈkäg-nə-zəns
Etymology
Old French connoissance right to acknowledge and adjudicate issues, literally, knowledge, acquaintance, from connoistre to be acquainted with
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