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 The group took a moment to paused the conversation to reminisce about Parton. — Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Arizona newcomers would have plenty of people to reminisce about their home state with. — Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 Looking back may be a sad endeavor, so just take the time to reminisce and then get on with what today has to offer. — Judith Levy, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Disney Channel alum, and perhaps the best figurehead for the layered look, Ashley Tisdale is the go-to internet meme for when millennials want to reminisce about the Y2K fashion choices. — Emma Childs, Glamour, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
Verb
  • Wheel remembers seeing the XJS’s debut as a kid, and the controversy around it.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Charles Shepard, who anchored the Observer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of PTL in the 1980s, said history will remember Bakker for both his rise and his fall.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The school understands that Sanders will still bring eyeballs to their program, but the question of whether this experiment should continue into 2027 is one that deserves to be pondered.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As fans and critics embraced her ability to snake in and out of R&B with her pop sensibilities, many pondered whether the label knew what to do with such a talent.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The company ultimately recalled millions of vehicles and paid billions in penalties and settlements.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Machchhar appeared emotional in the call with Modi while recalling the ordeal, and apologized to the prime minister for crying on the phone.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • So, Otto sits at the end of the counter, ruminating on the past weeks, then downs his glass of Gordon’s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The most tonally bizarre Apes movie ruminates on that question with a mixture of money-saving light comedy and mic-drop grimness.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 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
  • Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Batavia city documents suggest this is not the first time a gate at the city boundary has been contemplated, though the city has at various points expressed its preference for having no gates at all and allowing traffic to flow in both directions.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, those technologies automated routine work — and increased the value of workers who could analyze information, solve problems, and advise people.
    — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The county’s diversification is about average compared to the 23 other counties analyzed by this specific measure but is high compared to typical United States counties.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Set in a small fictional town called Awatahi, the show explores the murder of 17-year-old Jodie Hunter.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike many spas that focus on the healing effects of treatments, Kamalaya goes much deeper, encouraging guests to explore more emotional issues in a safe space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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