Is the word acordar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "acordar" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The primary difference is pronunciation (phonology):

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. The "o" in "acordar" is pronounced clearly, and the "r" varies by region (it may be a retroflex "r" in the interior, a tap in Rio, or a more palatal sound in the south).
• Continental Portuguese: There is a significant reduction of unstressed vowels (vowel reduction). The "o" in "acordar" is often pronounced as a very closed, almost swallowed sound, sometimes sounding closer to a "u" or nearly disappearing. The "r" is typically an alveolar tap or a more guttural sound.

While the word is the same, the "natural" way it is used in a sentence may differ slightly due to local preferences for pronoun placement and person (using você in Brazil vs. tu in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Eu acordo sempre às seis da manhã. (I always wake up at six in the/morning.)
2. Não me acorde agora, por favor. (Don't wake me up now, please.)
3. As empresas acordaram um novo valor para o contrato. (The companies agreed on a new value for the contract.)
4. A notícia acordou a curiosidade de todos. (The news aroused everyone's curiosity.)
5. Ele acordou muito cansado hoje. (He woke up very tired today.)

Continental Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Eu acordo sempre às seis da manhã. (I always wake up at six in the morning.)
2. Não me acordes agora, por favor. (Don't wake me up now, please.)
3. As empresas acordaram um novo valor para o contrato. (The companies agreed on a new value for the contract.)
4. A notícia acordou a curiosidade de todos. (The news aroused everyone's curiosity.)
5. Ele acordou-se muito cansado hoje. (He woke up very tired today.)