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 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 Read on to reminisce with photos of the small-screen legend at home. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026 And leading up to the premiere, the Road to 50 episodes have given fans an opportunity to reminisce about the show and recall the upcoming players who will star on season 50. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • But nothing is more important than remembering there’s life outside the spectacle.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And remember, your self-worth shouldn’t rise and fall with a performance review.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th-century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st-century hustle possible?
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The ex-governor, who was recalled in 2003 and replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, acknowledged his comments won’t please Democrats worried about the party’s large field splintering support, resulting in two Republicans advancing to the November runoff.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Carter recalled Bethany saying.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Boston, who serves as showrunner, creator, writer, and executive producer of the series has been ruminating on its terrors and delights for awhile now.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Two dozen disciples who have gathered in this large white space within a 19th-century Scottish castle ruminate with total concentration.
    Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But the Bruins recollected themselves, and the flow state returned on the other side of the timeout.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
  • That suits the artless, unfiltered way Yo describes her life, spending a fair amount of time recollecting her own childhood.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The idea that consumer taxes would be one of them is hard to contemplate.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The slow burn of Santos getting repeatedly plowed over with stress and emotion has led her to contemplate self-harm again.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The researchers spent almost two years analyzing the drone footage, applying machine learning in combination with good, old-fashioned field biology.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The watches underwent 25 days of scrutiny there, analyzed via a new acoustic testing method that recorded every sound emitting from the timepiece to track irregularities, temperature sensitivities, and more in the name of all things precision.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Soccer journalist Andrew Wiebe will moderate a panel discussion exploring how data is transforming the sport at this free event.
    Dan Kelly March 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Visit the Saturday farmers market, explore the handful of local shops, and take an easy hike to the Montezuma waterfall for a refreshing dip in its natural pool.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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