General synonyms:
* Recognize
* Determine
* Discover
* Pinpoint
* Establish
* Ascertain
* Locate
* Classify
* Name
* Label
* Specify
* Distinguish
More specific alternatives:
* Characterize (describe the key features)
* Categorize (group into a category)
* Isolate (separate from others)
* Trace (follow the origin or development)
* Uncover (reveal something hidden)
* Deduce (reach a conclusion through reasoning)
* Verify (confirm the accuracy)
* Authenticate (prove the genuineness)
* Analyze (examine in detail)
Examples:
* Instead of: "Can you identify the problem?"
* You could say: "Can you pinpoint the problem?" or "Can you determine the cause of the problem?"
* Instead of: "I identified a new species of plant."
* You could say: "I discovered a new species of plant." or "I classified a new species of plant."
Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.