reminisce

Definition of reminiscenext

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 Throughout the afternoon, friends, relatives and all those who profited from her devotion to learning came by to honor her, reminisce with her and show their appreciation for her lifelong efforts. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 While sports fans are excited for this year’s games, there are those who reminisce about their time on that March Madness court. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Nearly 50 Naismith Hall of Famers were participants, and many reminisce for the documentary. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 Watch O'Brien reminisce on his Letterman appearance in the video below. Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Schiraldi remembers her saying.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • EBay’s board is now pondering GameStop’s offer.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Mercedes-Benz’s decision to switch to digital gauge clusters in its cars and SUVs has forced it to recall over 144,000 vehicles, according to Road & Track.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
  • The Dodgers recalled reliever Paul Gervase to fill Glasnow’s roster spot.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Marin directed some of his ire at Esalen, the epicenter of the Human Potential Movement and the playground, its critics scoffed, of those privileged enough to spend their days ruminating over the self.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ricky Gervais will be in attendance to give a masterclass as creator and director of Netflix’s Alley Cats, the adult animation following a group of feral cats who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life, accompanied by a sneak peek of the first two episodes.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cole recollected that Linda seemed compassionate.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But the Bruins recollected themselves, and the flow state returned on the other side of the timeout.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Her organs shift while contemplating policy.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
  • Imagine, for a moment, if former Vice President Kamala Harris had jumped into the governor’s race, as contemplated.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Samples analyzed at Bordeaux University Hospital confirmed an outbreak of norovirus.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The Tribune spent several days exploring these dying malls, talking to their visitors and walking back through time.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The cemetery, which stretches across 478 acres, is also a great place to go on walks, check out cherry blossoms in the springtime, and explore the Green-Wood Arboretum.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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