remembrance

noun

re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s 

 also  -bə-rən(t)s

1

: the state of bearing in mind

2

a

: the ability to remember : memory

b

: the period over which one's memory extends

3

: an act of recalling to mind

4

: a memory of a person, thing, or event

5

a

: something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder

b

: commemoration, memorial

c

: a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection

Synonyms

• anamnesis
• memory
• recall
• recollection
• reminiscence

Choose the Right Synonym for remembrance

memory, remembrance, recollection, reminiscence mean the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered.

memory applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered.

gifted with a remarkable memory

that incident was now just a distant memory

remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

Examples of remembrance in a Sentence

a happy couple with many fond remembrances of when they were dating in college

she gave her boyfriend on the eve of his military service one of her lockets as a remembrance of their abiding affection

Recent Examples on the Web

It was first observed on May 30, 1868, and for decades on that date after Gen. John A. Logan, the leader of the Grand Army of the Republic for Northern Civil War veterans, had called for a nationwide day of remembrance. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 6 Apr. 2024

Since that day, not a year has gone by without the rocker's fans, friends and loved ones sharing touching remembrances or musical memories on social media in his memory. —Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Her death in February prompted an outpouring of support from New York’s LGBTQ activist community and elicited kind words of remembrance from some prominent figures, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. —Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 1 Apr. 2024

Evening of choral music in celebration and remembrance of the victories and struggles of Freedom Summers that took place 60 years ago. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2024

Family members say their favorite colors were teal and purple, and ribbons in those colors have been used over the years in remembrance. —Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Mar. 2024

To remember those who have lost their lives at the festival and beyond, the Nova Music Festival founders are teaming up with creative director Reut Feingold to bring a remembrance installation to New York City this spring. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2024

Related Articles Looking dapper, Brown sat in the front row at Isenberg’s remembrance. —James Richardson, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024

Bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Biden established March 9 as a day of remembrance for Americans wrongfully held overseas. —Camilla Schick, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

remembrance

noun

re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s 

1

: the act of remembering

2

: something remembered

3

a

: something (as a souvenir) that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder

b

: something (as a greeting or gift) recalling or expressing friendship