1
as in memory
a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered his reminiscences about the war were painful to hear

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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

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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

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 reminiscence Even Rolex’s first new family in over a decade, the Oyster Perpetual Land Dweller, is a reminiscence of the Oysterquartz of 1977, explained Kristian Haagen, founder of TimeGeeks. Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The strange story of what happened to it — and how Tan and her friends Jasmine and Sophie look back on it — forms the spine of this inventive and disarming memoir, which is simultaneously a reminiscence of a rebellious youth, a chronicle of a seat-of-the-pants D.I.Y. film production and a mystery. Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The reminiscences divulged incidents from Mr. March’s early life from the days of back yard play to official lamplighter for the city. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 What’s so haunting about Manda’s reminiscence is its implication that, given different circumstances, Jamie’s story—and Katie’s—could have had a much happier ending. Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reminiscence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminiscence
Noun
  • Whether stowed in a recipe tin, pasted in a book, or safely tucked away in a memory, family recipes are part of what makes cooking so special.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • This, in turn, can significantly impact a child’s mood, memory or attention.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Trainwreck: Poop Cruise interviews several passengers and crew members who were on the Triumph that week, and their recollections are truly harrowing.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025
  • There will also be archival photography, museum artifacts and personal recollections from S. E. Hinton and late film producer Fred Roos as well as David Arquette, who appeared in The Outsiders’ drama television series, which aired from March 25 to July 22, 1990 on Fox.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reminiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminiscence. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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