Definition of remembernext

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 Not every neighborhood lends itself to the kind of free-range childhood many adults remember, and safety has to come first. Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026 Gideon said Rojas wanted to make sure that Durán, who was killed by an ICE officer on Monday, was remembered the right way as the nation grapples with two ICE shootings in less than a week. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 16 July 2026 Only 30% to 50% of Lyme disease patients remember having a tick bite at all. Amanda Roome, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire still remembers the demo that changed his mind on Sable. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • Supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market.
    Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • According to Grassley, the FBI’s stated reason for recalling the report was concern that its contents would contradict then-FBI Director Christopher Wray’s congressional testimony.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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