Synonyms of recollection

recollection

noun

ˌre-kə-ˈlek-shən 

1

as in memory

a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered

I have no recollection of ever saying that

Synonyms & Similar Words

• memory
• memorial
• recall
• reminiscence
• remembrance
• anamnesis
• reminder
• token
• souvenir
• flashback
• memento
• association

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• memory
• mind
• reminiscence
• perception
• remembrance
• reflection
• comprehension
• understanding
• thinking
• awareness
• consciousness
• meditation
• contemplation
• retrospection
• musing
• total recall
• cognizance
• grasp
• hypermnesia
• apprehension
• grip

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repression
• amnesia
• forgetfulness

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of recollection

Returning to Reims frequently references the work of Annie Ernaux, the winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in literature, whose recollections of her childhood and the lives of her grocer parents have been published in books such as A Man’s Place and A Woman’s Story. —Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025

And with the Panthers set to pick eighth overall for a fifth time in franchise history in next week’s draft, The Observer chatted with Gross to get his recollection of the experience. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025

Garland saw the makings of a movie and recorded Mendoza’s recollections of the Ramadi operation. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025

Eventually the band banter established that the song might’ve been deemed tricky due to having too many chords, which led to a recollection of Wiedlin having once put tape markers on her guitar as cheats. —Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025