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 Thirty years later, the actress got to reconnect with Ventimiglia on her daytime talk show, Sherri, and reminisce about Rewind. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 While fangs and stakes aren’t my forte, a gathering of friends and strangers acting goofy and reminiscing over childhood and teen memories sounded cool. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Before the Gov Ball sound engineers cut his mic out of respect for the park’s strict curfew and noise ordinance, Pretty Flacko had to take time out to reminisce about his own breakout. Rob Kenner, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026 Mid-Century Stereo Equipment Records have made a major comeback, and flipping through a stack of vinyl to reminisce is relaxing. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Another season-ticket holder from that first year remembered crowds being firmly in the 5,500 range.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Yoho hopes people come to Charlotte for the All-Star Game and leave remembering the state’s welcoming culture.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • After graduation, Coyne continued taking community college courses while pondering her next steps.
    Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • McElwee has often pondered the downside of essentially treating himself like a human camera, observing the world rather than fully engaging in it.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market.
    Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • According to Grassley, the FBI’s stated reason for recalling the report was concern that its contents would contradict then-FBI Director Christopher Wray’s congressional testimony.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • These self stories can lock people in place and lead them to ruminate on their own disempowerment.
    Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 20 July 2026
  • When asked who should take on the role next, Urie takes his time to ruminate — and then opens the floodgates.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Homer’s poem never depicts the horse and the sacking of Troy in direct action; the city’s fall is recollected only in the form of stories that glorify Greece’s soldiers.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026
  • To recollect, the three-member board consists of Smith and Matthew Tysdal, representing Jamie Smith.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The original law contemplated broad governance obligations, including a duty of reasonable care, risk management programs, impact assessments, and reporting related to algorithmic discrimination.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Hebrew has been contemplated with some envy by campaigners in other societies.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Brown added that the university system plans to analyze graduation rates specifically for STEM majors to see if those match the larger university trend of success.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • In the 2026 study, researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants aged 65 and older who were followed for up to 12 years in the long-running Health and Retirement Study.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • And teams in need of infield help could explore both players.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Friday morning might not be the time to explore El Pollo Loco.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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