reminisce

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reminisce distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reminisce are recall, recollect, remember, and remind. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

In what contexts can recall take the place of reminisce?

The words recall and reminisce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

Where would recollect be a reasonable alternative to reminisce?

The synonyms recollect and reminisce are sometimes interchangeable, but recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When can remember be used instead of reminisce?

While in some cases nearly identical to reminisce, remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When is remind a more appropriate choice than reminisce?

In some situations, the words remind and reminisce are roughly equivalent. However, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

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 reminisce On Reddit, visitors reminisced about the view from the lodge’s sunroom, the simple but adequate rooms and the easy access to nearby hikes and trails. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025 Looks like Travis Kelce is reminiscing about the off season in the dorms at Kansas City training camp. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025 Ozzy Osbourne’s passing on July 22, 2025, has left people not just mourning the legendary Black Sabbath singer but reminiscing on his long career. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025 The billboard arrives after Fleetwood Mac turned 50 earlier this month, with Fleetwood reminiscing about Nicks and Buckingham joining the group. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Sonora remembers nervously cleaning the house while her mother locked herself in her bedroom, refusing to even come out and talk to the police.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
  • At 61, Dawn Downs, a retired hospital cafeteria worker who has lived in Traverse City for 40 years, can distinctly remember the fallout from the 1989 closure of the state mental health hospital here.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Millions of hoses are being recalled across the country after hundreds have ruptured during use, causing nearly 30 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • Three variations are offered: Mocha, symbolizing the earth and its roots; Blue, recalling open skies and water; and Green, representing vegetation and balance.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Humanity And The Future A final thought to ruminate on.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • So a whole life, just waiting on death, ruminating on it, anticipating it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • During an interview with PEOPLE, the Dawson’s Creek alum recollects his childhood memories of drinking sodas after hockey practice with his friends, Dr. Pepper being his go-to choice, and how those traditions have carried into his adulthood.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Wright was speaking at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival and recollected her battle for equal pay on the Netflix hit.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Based on historical probabilities, traders may contemplate taking a position prior to the earnings announcement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Don't forget outlier contests and Harris' possible return in California One feature of the 2026 gubernatorial races could be the return of Kamala Harris to the national stage, as the former vice president continues to contemplate a run for California governor.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • The investment bank analyzed ongoing court battles and legislative authority, and concluded that Trump’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose wide-ranging tariffs and cut bilateral deals far exceeds the powers granted by Congress.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 July 2025
  • Research analyzing millions of profiles reveals that both men and women often pursue partners who are estimated to be about 25% more attractive than themselves, despite these advances yielding fewer responses.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • At each destination, we were given the option to explore.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2025
  • Heading into this week, the Cubs were known to be exploring the market for third basemen, despite Shaw having gotten hot in recent weeks.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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