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 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 Back in March, Brady reminisced on Vivian's childhood with a sweet throwback post, sharing an old photo featuring his only daughter. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 June 2026 The group’s posts, discussing everything from now-defunct rides to sharing historical photos, have become spaces for people to share their own memories of past visits or reminisce about their favorite roller coasters. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may renew their vows someday, but until then, there are many photos to reminisce on from their royal wedding on May 19, 2018. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
  • And remember, your legacy is in those who remember you.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Plunkett, with the Norman Rockwell Museum, pondered whether Americans viewing the painting today would find a familiar feeling.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Season 2 continues this thread, and Hely pondered the sense of exhaustion about living in this corporate world.
    Kambole Campbell, Variety, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Teammate Jordan Henderson, now at his fourth World Cup, recalled Kane scoring twice in the opener against Croatia to match Lineker and mistakenly thought this mark was already in Kane’s sole possession.
    Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Amon recalled facing questions in 2021 about why Qualcomm was chasing so many rabbits at once, between developing its automotive business, its PC chips and industrial applications.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • San Antonio will ruminate for a long time on the mistakes that cost it a 29-point lead, including a pass out of bounds when Stephon Castle wasn’t looking for the ball and Fox’s decision to shoot the layup rather than wait for the Knicks to foul him.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Shaboozey, who cites Pink Floyd’s surreal The Wall as one of his favorite albums and movies, had been ruminating on the idea for more than a decade.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Continually surrounded by well-wishers during an hour of socializing before a formal program of speakers and videos recollecting his career, Lubelfeld listened to what others had to say before speaking himself.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Cisco has built and is refining an AI tool for investor relations that analyzes its financial history alongside competitors’ earnings calls and can anticipate likely questions from specific analysts.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 July 2026
  • In the new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed electronic health records from 2001 to 2023 for more than 700,000 pairs of mothers and children in Hong Kong.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Many works around the country explored new electronic music technology.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • There's a full rainbow of primal prints to explore, like this flowing calf-print caftan from Moroccan designer Fadila El Gadi.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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