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

But for many, the exhibition appeared off-color, especially because the Met Gala next year falls on Yom HaShoah, the day of Holocaust remembrance in Israel. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2026

The ceremony, which will occur inside the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, will feature remarks from Dunn, in addition to a special remembrance for area veterans who have passed away over the last year, organizers said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

What’s Your Grief’s guidance on changing holiday traditions encourages families to focus on the values behind celebrations, including togetherness, generosity and remembrance, rather than on recreating every ritual exactly. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The Dougy Center suggests giving children the option to participate in remembrance without pressure. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

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