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 Swamp Dogg reminisces about his singular career, which eventually gives way to some obligatory archival footage, but the film is just as interested in celebrating the zest for life that the octogenarian currently enjoys. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 1 May 2025 After my article was published, many readers reminisced in the comments section about the nightlife of New York City’s past. Luke Fortney, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Campbell, fighting back tears during the post-meet news conference, reminisced about her final floor routine — bringing back her sophomore-year choreography — as a Bruin. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Springsteen reminisced about his 30-plus year friendship with Ely, recalling a wild night in Dublin with Ely and Jerry Lee Lewis. Michele Amabile Angermiller, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Then, as if to avoid getting too serious, Taylor joked that while mothers are tirelessly on call 24/7, dads can be remembered for doing just a few significant things as parents.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • The best from Bordeaux 2024 will be remembered for lightness, delicacy and aromatic beauty.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco recall showing up early to Taylor Swift party: 'Mortified' Gomez reportedly dated DJ Zedd in 2015 and singer The Weeknd in 2017.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Anthony recalled the influence the network’s coverage had on him as a child.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • For months, Wall Street has ruminated on whether President Donald Trump ’s tariffs will cause a recession and how the Federal Reserve may respond.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 May 2025
  • The result are raw scenes where the superstar ruminates on the pros and cons of fame.
    Rob LeDonne, Billboard, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The Roman Emperor Domitian struck a truce with the Dacians that allowed Rome to recollect its strengths until a new emperor, Trajan, was ready for war a decade later.
    A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The hexane dissolves the lipid components in the oil, then is evaporated off and recollected for later use.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And to contemplate if the Leafs will get enough offense from down the lineup, given how well the Panthers shut down the Lightning in their first-round series.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • While looking for Rust and Lucas, Wood contemplates the fate of his own son, who is afflicted by a potentially fatal disease.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By continuously observing and analyzing these data, these systems generate personalized interventions designed to help users manage times of mental strain.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The Phillies, like most teams, have high-speed cameras that can help a pitcher analyze finger placement.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Examples of pitches invited for the fund include stories that explore how environmental changes are reshaping borders, communities, and futures, or stories that connect geopolitical conflict, resource extraction, and human movement.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • Brazilian representatives will be available at the Palais des Festivals for anyone eager to explore new collaborations.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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