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 of remembrance

• memory
• recollection
• memorial

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

Their connections to ideas of love, loss, hope, and remembrance are additional aspects of their seasonal appeal. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

May these remembrances stir us to service, that Thy gifts to us may be used for others. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025

The service provides an opportunity to be comforted in music, scripture, prayers and remembrance. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025

During the remembrance event, Middleton attended the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the Last Post signalled the start of a national two-minute silence. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025

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