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 Amal Khalil is remembered for being present in large parts of southern Lebanon to try to shed light on life there, despite the risks. Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Because at the end of the day, employees don't remember a building. Sarah Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Despite initially losing consciousness herself as a result of the explosion, Maria still vividly remembered the atrocity when recounting it to the Museum of Civilian Voices. Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Aliko Dangote wants to be remembered for being more than an industrialist. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • Building enough trust to capitalize on his idea took time in the beginning, Millard recalled.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Carson Williams, who was in the Opening Day lineup, was recalled from Durham to take Williamson’s spot.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on remember

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster