Synonym Chooser

How is the word remember distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of remember are recall, recollect, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When would recall be a good substitute for remember?

The synonyms recall and remember are sometimes interchangeable, but recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

When can recollect be used instead of remember?

The words recollect and remember can be used in similar contexts, but recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When could remind be used to replace remember?

Although the words remind and remember have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

In what contexts can reminisce take the place of remember?

While in some cases nearly identical to remember, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 remember Walz remembered when one of her patients came in distressed after a fierce argument with her boyfriend. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 2 Aug. 2025 As the shows at the Golden Gate Park mark the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary, Garcia was also remembered as his daughter Trixie appeared onstage to introduce Dead and Company, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2025 He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television. Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 July 2025 And remember to tap into any loyal summer camp alumni (often a lifetime legacy). Jill Tipograph, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • Millions of hoses are being recalled across the country after hundreds have ruptured during use, causing nearly 30 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • Three variations are offered: Mocha, symbolizing the earth and its roots; Blue, recalling open skies and water; and Green, representing vegetation and balance.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remember

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