Definition of remembrancenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Chinese authorities have long seen the deaths of popular former leaders as a potential trigger for a surge of public emotion and an occasional catalyst for instability when remembrance of the dead turns into criticism of those in power. Reuters, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026 Some stories say that Collier broke his rifle over the bear’s head while trying to protect the dogs, but his own remembrances sometimes leave that out. Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 The Project has transformed tragedy into opportunity and remembrance into action, creating programs and initiatives designed to empower young people, strengthen communities, and open doors that too often remain closed. Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 That meant the service was going to last at least a half-hour longer than usual to make room for eating a small wafer and drinking a tiny plastic cup of Welch’s grape juice in remembrance of Jesus. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remembrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remembrance
Noun
  • That followed an increase over the summer from $599, which Apple blamed on memory costs.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Why breakfast is linked to memory and grades The American Academy of Pediatrics says children who regularly miss breakfast miss out on benefits tied directly to school performance.
    Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Taking the jury back in time Each day of the trial has required explanations for how the world was different in 1996, a reminder for the older jurors and a remedial education for the younger ones.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The story of how the major knee injury derailed his career is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL and how short the shelf life of even the most gifted running back can be.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Remarkably, after more than a 40-year interval, Tursi was able to track down one of the hostage takers to get his recollections of that fateful day.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In their latest filing, the prosecutors maintain the teen's recollections of the abuse first surfaced during a high school dream.
    John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Tubes from hospital equipment were still attached to his face, gunshot wounds on his right side were still gaping, and tattoos which included a gun and a bullet casing were still embedded in his skin, a permanent memorial to the tools of his demise.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Oak Lawn Public Library commemorated the village’s memorial to the tragedy with a visit from its creator.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Remembrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remembrance. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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