reminiscence

noun rem·i·nis·cence \ -ˈni-sᵊn(t)s \

Definition of reminiscence

1 :apprehension of a Platonic idea as if it had been known in a previous existence

2 a :recall to mind of a long-forgotten experience or fact

b :the process or practice of thinking or telling about past experiences

3 a :a remembered experience

b :an account of a memorable experience —often used in plural

4 :something so like another as to be regarded as an unconscious repetition, imitation, or survival

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Examples of reminiscence in a Sentence

his reminiscences about the war were painful to hear
we wondered whether she could trust her reminiscence of events that happened so long ago

Recent Examples of reminiscence from the Web

And so this becomes their new reminiscence, their new reality.

— peter rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, "‘Marjorie Prime’ asks, how do we want to be remembered?," 23 Aug. 2017
Januzzi ended her presentation with a sweet reminiscence.

— linda gandee/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Notable women in Lorain's history highlighted," 31 July 2017
Adding reminiscence is novel, although some previous research found simply looking through old family photos sometimes sparks memories in dementia patients.

— Washington Post, "Black seniors stroll down memory lane aiming to stay sharp," 25 July 2017
Today's Community Cookbook: Recipes and Reminiscences of New Orleans (Copyright 1971 by Parents Club of Ursuline Academy Inc.; Franklin Printing Company Inc., New Orleans, LA)

— shannon sliter satterwhite, Southern Living, "Recipes and Reminiscences of New Orleans," 11 July 2017
The Committee was drawn this week to Top Commenter Kent Anderson's reminiscence about his days as a football beat guy.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Nothing is Real in Trump's America Unless the Cameras Are Rolling," 23 June 2017
Crickets by Bruce Boeck of Normal, IL invites us into the sweet, post-wedding reminiscences the parents of the bride.

— chagrin valley little theatre, cleveland.com, "Chagrin Valley Little Theatre to premiere one-acts at its 5th biennial "10-10 Festival of New Plays"," 14 June 2017
Perhaps his reminiscences about Arthur’s wilder youth could use a little more fire, but as Arthur battles the demons of his past, Whitehead effectively conveys a puzzled sadness that befits a man adrift.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Superior Donuts': A sugar-coated trip to a funny doughnut shop," 10 June 2017
With smoothness permeating all throughout the record, The Alchemist provides the perfect backdrop for Worthy to cruise and reminiscence.

— carl lamarre, Billboard, "Jay Worthy & The Alchemist Team Up for Jazzy Record 'Stepping Out' Feat. Sha Hef: Premiere," 11 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reminiscence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of reminiscence

1589

reminiscence Synonyms

Synonyms

anamnesis, recall, recollection, remembrance, memory

Related Words

flashback; memento, memorial, reminder, souvenir, token; association

Near Antonyms

amnesia, repression; forgetfulness

Synonym Discussion of reminiscence

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.