1
as in memory
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered a happy couple with many fond remembrances of when they were dating in college

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2
as in reminder
something that serves to keep alive the memory of a person or event she gave her boyfriend on the eve of his military service one of her lockets as a remembrance of their abiding affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remembrance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remembrance are memory, recollection, and reminiscence. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

In what contexts can memory take the place of remembrance?

While in some cases nearly identical to remembrance, 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

When is recollection a more appropriate choice than remembrance?

The meanings of recollection and remembrance largely overlap; however, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

Where would reminiscence be a reasonable alternative to remembrance?

The synonyms reminiscence and remembrance are sometimes interchangeable, but reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

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 remembrance As Black Americans called for remembrance of slavery to forge political solidarity, Jews could turn to the Holocaust as a source of collective recognition. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The tribute to Lizarraga was followed by a remembrance of service members who are or were listed as prisoners of war or missing in action in conflicts dating back to World War II. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025 The Sinclair Broadcast Group announced plans to air a remembrance special honoring Kirk on all Sinclair stations Friday. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 While the Île Saint-Honorat offers a serene escape, the French Riviera is also a place of celebration and remembrance. Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remembrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remembrance
Noun
  • Once in Borderland, Arisu and Usagi regain their memories of their first visit.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Germany is paranoically supportive of Israel as a result of Holocaust-memory rhetoric.
    Book Marks September 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Adding medications here does not create reminders.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Put reminders in your calendar.
    Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fox, now speaking publicly about the claim, backed Sheen’s recollection of the night.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • However, Preller's team was happy to let loose during the postgame celebration, and the GM had a humorous recollection of a FaceTime call in the clubhouse from right fielder Fernando Tatís, who woke up feeling sick on Monday and stayed home instead of coming to the ballpark.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Cholame memorial, originally erected in 1977 and funded by Japanese businessman Seita Ohnishi, a devoted fan, was recently refurbished to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Dean’s passing.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • It was best put in an amazing talk by Charlie’s wife Erika at Kirk’s memorial.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Remembrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remembrance. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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