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
  • Despite initially losing consciousness herself as a result of the explosion, Maria still vividly remembered the atrocity when recounting it to the Museum of Civilian Voices.
    Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • For those who don’t remember, even just six years ago, the concept of no-makeup makeup was slowly emerging after years of the heavy-duty, full-face beats that dominated the 2010s.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Whether Wesneski’s return will be enough to bolster one of baseball’s worst rotations is a question general manager Dana Brown must ponder across the next two weeks.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • First, ponder crowded housing, a signal of affordability stress, as the share of families living with other families.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Baker recalled how his own journey began by recognizing that high-achieving women were not progressing at the same rate as their male peers, prompting him to ask how men could actively support these networks.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • In the meantime, the Yankees recalled fellow outfielder Spencer Jones with Bellinger sidelined.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 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
  • Father and son then recollect a life lived in secret as the filmmaker reflects on his own queerness.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • James did indeed contemplate retirement after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • Because of these problems, the Federal Reserve is contemplating leaving the check processing business.
    Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The category analyzed the state’s business environment, employment and growth.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 29, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • In total, the government now owes the equivalent of $113,000 per person, according to USAFacts, a nonprofit civic initiative cofounded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer which aggregates and analyzes government data.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Brownsville and other nearby unincorporated communities in Miami-Dade County are now exploring becoming a city – something Kilpatrick said is necessary now more than ever as neighborhoods are under the threat of gentrification.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • That disconnect is what leadership researcher and consultant Cory Scheer explores in his book Closing the Trust Gap.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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