(of a thought, idea, or situation) come back to one's mind or memory, occur again periodically or repeatedly

recur to, recur on, recur to memory

Formal and Informal Expressions of recur

In different contexts, you can replace 'recur' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'reoccur, return' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'keep happening, come back' is a commonplace synonym.

recur: Explore its Definition & Usage

recur Definition

1(of a thought, idea, or situation) come back to one's mind or memory
2occur again periodically or repeatedly

Using recur: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "recur" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The same problem keeps recurring.
Example
The theme of revenge recurs throughout the novel.
Example
The pain in my knee has recurred.
Example
The issue is likely to recur in future discussions.

recur Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for recur

Antonyms for recur

Phrases with recur

recur to
turn to and adopt (a course of action, a method, etc.) especially as a last resort
Example
If necessary, we may have to recur to legal action.
recur on
happen again to (someone or something)
Example
The disease recurred on him after a few months.
recur to memory
come back to one's mind or memory
Example
The image of the accident kept recurring to his memory.

Origins of recur

from Latin 'recurrere', meaning 'run back'

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Summary: recur in Brief

The verb 'recur' [rɪˈkɜː(r)] means to come back to one's mind or memory, or to occur again periodically or repeatedly. It can be used in phrases like 'The same problem keeps recurring,' and 'The issue is likely to recur in future discussions.' 'Recur' also extends into phrases like 'recur to,' meaning to turn to and adopt a course of action, and 'recur to memory,' meaning to come back to one's mind.