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 Wain was joined by stars Ken Marino (who co-wrote the film), Zoey Deutch, John Slattery, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Ben Wang to reminisce about making their unapologetically silly comedy. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026 People come back years later to talk about it, to reminisce, to celebrate. Austin Meek, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 To reminisce on the good times, Arizonans took to Reddit to talk with each other about their favorite places and aspects of life in metro Phoenix that are no more. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Kick back and reminisce on the history of the State. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • In fact, for those who don’t remember, much of that K-State run was built on the back of a 5-foot-8-inch guard who transferred in from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Less remembered is that GCU led by 12 midway through the second half before SDSU rallied and took the lead on Simmons’ tip-in with 58 seconds left.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Here's a fascinating premise to ponder!
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Seven years ago, Williams was sitting in his bed in his New York studio apartment, eating pizza out of the box and pondering where to take his career.
    Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For Dallas’ Black community in the late 1950s through the 1960s, the Forest Theater was the place to see and be seen, recalls Shirley Rhodes, an 80-year-old South Dallas native who spent Saturdays there during her childhood while engrossed in the cinematic offerings.
    Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of ruminating in your head, Burns suggests writing things down so your mind can unwind.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
  • While patients ruminate in guilt and fear, corporations profit.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Those are words that penetrate, ones that recollect certain names and call forth our senses.
    Hannah Benson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Political institutions are responding: legal challenges are mounting to check ICE’s excesses; state and local officials are investigating the killings (and suing the federal government where they’ve been blocked); members of Congress are recollecting their power of the purse.
    Emily Chamlee-Wright, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By the slice Investors dominate housing in some of California’s most lightly populated counties when contemplating the share of houses not occupied by their owners.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Inside the private room of a Country Club Plaza steakhouse, top officials from the England national team contemplated their World Cup future.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • High-resolution satellite imagery from February 10, 2026, analyzed by ISIS, shows Iran continuing to harden tunnel entrances at the underground complex carved into Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz.
    Farida Elsebai, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Engineers will analyze how materials, production techniques, and post-treatment processes affect component life.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Of the other options, Bone Fire takes grilling to another level with unique preparations of excellent cuts of meat and fresh fish, while Marea, which serves lunch and dinner, explores the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
    José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Missouri - Travelers can cross the historic Chain of Rocks bridge over the Mississippi River and explore underground cages.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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