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

Relevance
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Through their recollections, a more personal portrait emerges of a woman who was generous, witty, and fiercely loyal to those around her. Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2025 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 The book alternates between memoir and cookbook, sharing recipes for dishes like Mom’s Lasagna, dandelion frittata and chicken cacciatore, alongside tales of growing up in Buffalo, recollections of family canning season and meditations on the ties between family and food. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recollection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recollection
memory
Noun
  • Nuno’s habitual talk of ‘bonds’ and understanding feels like a distant memory.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Taliban evokes bitter memories in India.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recollection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recollection. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on recollection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!