memory

1
as in recollection
the power or process of recalling what has been previously learned or experienced a photographic memory makes taking tests entirely too easy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in memorial
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered I have only the vaguest memory of the family vacation we took the year I turned three

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word memory distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of memory are recollection, remembrance, and reminiscence. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use recollection instead of memory?

While the synonyms recollection and memory are close in meaning, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

When is remembrance a more appropriate choice than memory?

The words remembrance and memory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

When might reminiscence be a better fit than memory?

The words reminiscence and memory can be used in similar contexts, 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 memory The teenage protagonist, Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), is selected to train with the Giver (Jeff Bridges) to hold all the memories of how the world used to be. Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, a memory manufacturing director, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he isn’t authorized by his company to speak to the media, told IEEE Spectrum that Taiwan’s economy is still manufacturing-driven. Yu-Tzu Chiu, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025 But Gant isn’t the only one with memories that could be unearthed on Friday evening. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 What are some of your lasting memories of working with the Weeknd on Hurry Up Tomorrow? Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for memory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for memory
recollection
Noun
  • In her recollection now, Blunt doesn’t remember seeing a single light or a camera, as Safdie and the crew so carefully hid them.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But Louis’ letter contains a message that goes far beyond her recollection of the horrifying minutes during Sunday’s attack.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Memory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/memory. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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