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 Larry Collins still smiles when reminiscing about the long, peeling waves that would show up during south swells in summer months at his favorite surf break, Killer Dana. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2025 Kevin and Auggie, mistaking Chris for their dimension’s Chris, sit down with him for a drink and begin to reminisce. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025 But why reassemble at least part of the group now, other than to reminisce about old times? R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Catch up with old friends and reminisce about the good ol’ days. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Dockery remembers Smith’s wit and sardonic humor on set—and her own Dowagerisms—fondly.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, there’s a whole lot from shortly before the accident that Daniel doesn’t remember; their walk through the old church, for example.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In her conversation with Interview, Peters pondered whether the next Great American Novelist could be trans.
    Grace Byron, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Here are some points to ponder over based on the insights from this emerging research.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Burn hazards, meaning use of the product could lead to burns, were behind 294 recalls in the same time frame.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • On the red carpet at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, Bonneville recalls finding out about Dockery's exciting news.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, Americans of all political stripes would be wise to ruminate on the larger takeaways of this story.
    Isaac Saul, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.
    Essence, Essence, 27 Aug. 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
  • Such contracts are nothing new in Hollywood, and many scholars of classic Hollywood will likely recollect the strict contracts studios had for their stars in that era.
    Clement Obropta, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • That same year the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s title carries particular significance for Yoon, who has been contemplating it for 15 years.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Once considered a cornerstone of learning, the ability to analyze, evaluate, and discern information has been replaced by an overreliance on quick answers.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Multigenerational travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, offering opportunities for grandparents, parents, and children to share experiences and create lasting memories together.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After losing generational slugger Juan Soto to a record-setting free agent offer from the New York Mets last year, the New York Yankees may be desperate to prevent another power-hitting outfielder from exploring the open market after a single season with the franchise.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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