Synonyms of reminiscence

reminiscence

noun

ˌre-mə-ˈni-sᵊn(t)s 

1

as in memory

a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered

his reminiscences about the war were painful to hear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• memory
• recollection
• memorial
• recall
• remembrance
• anamnesis
• reminder
• souvenir
• token
• flashback
• memento
• association

2

as in recollection

the power or process of recalling what has been previously learned or experienced

we wondered whether she could trust her reminiscence of events that happened so long ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recollection
• memory
• mind
• remembrance
• perception
• reflection
• comprehension
• thinking
• understanding
• awareness
• meditation
• consciousness
• retrospection
• contemplation
• musing
• total recall
• cognizance
• hypermnesia
• grasp
• apprehension
• grip

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repression
• amnesia
• forgetfulness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reminiscence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of reminiscence are memory, recollection, and remembrance. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

In what contexts can memory take the place of reminiscence?

While the synonyms memory and reminiscence are close in meaning, memory applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered.

gifted with a remarkable memory

that incident was now just a distant memory

When would recollection be a good substitute for reminiscence?

Although the words recollection and reminiscence have much in common, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

Where would remembrance be a reasonable alternative to reminiscence?

The meanings of remembrance and reminiscence largely overlap; however, remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reminiscence

Maybe people closer to Lohan's age, with families or careers of their own, hoping for a hit of reminiscence, without any of the mess that accompanies actually coming of age. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Lifelong friend and Slice Mob member John Emmanuel of Rocky Hill said the group is as much about reminiscences as pizza for him. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2025

The poet’s reminiscences form the core of several poems that rank among the glories of twentieth-century American literature. —Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

In addition to our regular news coverage, our final edition includes reminiscences from current staff members and others on A4, in addition to a newspaper history written by Terry Shaw, which appears on A12. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025