1
as in memory
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered I have no recollection of ever saying that

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2
as in mind
the power or process of recalling what has been previously learned or experienced the gradual recollection of that long-ago romance brought back both happy and painful feelings

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word recollection distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of recollection are memory, remembrance, and reminiscence. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," 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 memory a more appropriate choice than recollection?

The meanings of memory and recollection largely overlap; however, 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

Where would remembrance be a reasonable alternative to recollection?

Although the words remembrance and recollection have much in common, remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

When is it sensible to use reminiscence instead of recollection?

While in some cases nearly identical to recollection, 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 recollection His own recollections of captivity were a jumble of sometimes untraceable sensations. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 Before the advent and proliferation of the internet as a widespread information and communication change factor for the media landscape (around 1998 by my recollection), newspapers, television and radio continued as the trio that reigned supreme. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 Predictably, the Canadiens swept the series in four games, none of which anyone alive today has any recollection of. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Your personality, taste, and a recollection of all the memories your curls hold. Akili King, Essence, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for recollection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recollection
memory
Noun
  • That memory became the blueprint for Doble Reina: pieces that are tactile, warm, ambiguous and deeply personal.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Tyson said seeing people going to jail for these offenses was an unfortunate memory of his childhood.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recollection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recollection. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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