reminisce

Definition of reminiscenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reminisce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reminisce are recall, recollect, remember, and remind. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

In what contexts can recall take the place of reminisce?

The words recall and reminisce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

Where would recollect be a reasonable alternative to reminisce?

The synonyms recollect and reminisce are sometimes interchangeable, but recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of reminisce?

While in some cases nearly identical to reminisce, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is remind a more appropriate choice than reminisce?

In some situations, the words remind and reminisce are roughly equivalent. However, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reminisce Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026 The group’s posts, discussing everything from now-defunct rides to sharing historical photos, have become spaces for people to share their own memories of past visits or reminisce about their favorite roller coasters. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may renew their vows someday, but until then, there are many photos to reminisce on from their royal wedding on May 19, 2018. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 High school seniors who are former students at Bird Rock, Torrey Pines and La Jolla Elementary schools took a trip down memory lane the week of May 11, visiting their elementary alma maters to reminisce, greet students and take photos. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
  • And remember, your legacy is in those who remember you.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Even the most technology-savvy leaders are still pondering and probing where the ceiling is in terms of containing agent sprawl and complexity.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Any larger Hollywood studio would have likely insisted on a grander finale, but The Death of Robin Hood, produced by A24, left me pondering the foolishness of my need for such a denouement.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the Dodgers recalled right-hander Chayce McDermott.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Eden recalled his mother, Ellene Warren, explaining the scale of production spent during the disco era.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • San Antonio will ruminate for a long time on the mistakes that cost it a 29-point lead, including a pass out of bounds when Stephon Castle wasn’t looking for the ball and Fox’s decision to shoot the layup rather than wait for the Knicks to foul him.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Shaboozey, who cites Pink Floyd’s surreal The Wall as one of his favorite albums and movies, had been ruminating on the idea for more than a decade.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Continually surrounded by well-wishers during an hour of socializing before a formal program of speakers and videos recollecting his career, Lubelfeld listened to what others had to say before speaking himself.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • For this reason, most people do not even contemplate the possibility of these companies ever getting displaced.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • In the study, which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected between 2021 and 2024, researchers say that despite numerous state-level bans on kratom across the nation, its use is at an all-time high and is increasing.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Learn more about antioxidants and their health effects by exploring credible sources.
    Danielle Zickl, Health, 20 June 2026
  • The publication is exploring ways to create content that serves both human readers and AI agents, recognizing that increasingly, the first consumer of information may not be a person at all.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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