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 Holmes, who is approached regularly by people interested in her home’s history, remembered when Davis was in talks several years ago to play Puente in a feature film. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026 Many Grapevine residents and other North Texans are now remembering Funk for her remarkable accomplishments. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026 Satisfied customers remember the companies that not only fulfill their orders, but also their promises. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Commercial success will follow, but only if the experience itself is worthy of being remembered. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • Plans for fireworks were still moving forward in other cities including Chicago and New York, where tall ships passed the Statue of Liberty earlier in the day, recalling the fanfare around America’s 200th anniversary in 1976.
    Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Pulisic recalled arriving at Pochettino’s temporary office for a meeting and hearing a country song.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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