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

Its narrative takes the form of travel writing mixed with other reminiscences and interviews. — Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026

Although her image would become an archetype of maternal worry and suffering, Thompson was not referenced by name in Lange’s reminiscences because the photographer never knew her identity. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Over 2,600 donors contributed to the effort, and many of those benefactors flooded the comment section of the GoFundMe to share warm reminiscences and encouraging words for Finch. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026

Ironically, this reminiscence preceded my viewing of Remarkably Bright Creatures, the recent Netflix release that seeks to inaugurate a new, regrettable phase in Field’s five-decade-long movie career. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2026