Definition of remembernext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remember distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of remember are recall, recollect, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When would recall be a good substitute for remember?

The synonyms recall and remember are sometimes interchangeable, but recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

When can recollect be used instead of remember?

The words recollect and remember can be used in similar contexts, but recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When could remind be used to replace remember?

Although the words remind and remember have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

In what contexts can reminisce take the place of remember?

While in some cases nearly identical to remember, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 remember McDavid couldn’t get off a clean shot, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — whose heroics all game will forever be remembered — slapped the puck away. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 Once paired, the devices remember each other and don’t have to be paired the next time. Shreyas Sen, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026 He will be remembered; her outline will fade. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 Cecilia Vega and Pastor Brad Davis 60 Minutes Betty Stepp has lived in the town of Anawalt for all of her 76 years — long enough to remember when there was still a school, a theater and a doctor. Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • Now back practicing with the Sharks since he was recalled from the Barracuda on Wednesday, Leddy’s playing career is somewhat in limbo, with a return to the AHL, a move to another team, or remaining on San Jose’s NHL roster all possibilities in the coming days and weeks.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • This is where the concrete jungle meets the actual jungle, where every hike rewards with Instagram-worthy vistas and beaches recalling Caribbean-style island time.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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