1
as in memory
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered a happy couple with many fond remembrances of when they were dating in college

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2
as in reminder
something that serves to keep alive the memory of a person or event she gave her boyfriend on the eve of his military service one of her lockets as a remembrance of their abiding affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remembrance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remembrance are memory, recollection, and reminiscence. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

In what contexts can memory take the place of remembrance?

While in some cases nearly identical to remembrance, 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

When is recollection a more appropriate choice than remembrance?

The meanings of recollection and remembrance largely overlap; however, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

Where would reminiscence be a reasonable alternative to remembrance?

The synonyms reminiscence and remembrance are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 remembrance The funeral begins nine days of mourning, prayers and remembrance. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 The box set also comes with an extensive 12-page booklet with rare images and informative liner notes from Travers alongside a detailed and heartfelt remembrance from musician Ruth Komanoff Underwood who performed percussion that evening. Thania Garcia, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 Once an underground gathering spot, Hippie Hill has evolved into a cherished community tradition that brings together locals for a day of music, conversation, and collective remembrance of cannabis history. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 The funeral will kick off nine days of prayers and remembrance as the world's attention slowly turns to the issue of a successor. John Bacon, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remembrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remembrance
Noun
  • Outlawed in many regions due to the fire risk and environmental hazards, the idea of releasing thousands of them indiscriminately into the sky literally wouldn’t fly here in Southern California, where memories of the January wildfires are all too fresh.
    Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • This was a way to make a new memory with the man who had captured so many of her firsts.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Stay organized: Use calendars, planners, or reminder apps to help manage memory problems or mental fatigue.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 20 May 2025
  • So many nostalgic nods pulled on my heartstrings, from the return of the Paint the Night after-dark parade at Disneyland Park with reminders of the Main Street Electrical Parade to the new World of Color Happiness!
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The letters range from the prosaic to the profound: recollections of childhood softball games, news about David’s retirement, updates on their aging mother’s declining health.
    Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • After this, consolidation eventually stabilizes memory traces and stores them for future recollection in the long term.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The memorial is expected to be unveiled in 2026, marking what would have been the late Queen’s centenary.
    Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • On May 7, the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee and the Cabinet Office revealed the five potential design concepts for the Queen Elizabeth II national memorial via a public online exhibition.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Remembrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remembrance. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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