MEMORY Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'memory' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of memory are recollection , remembrance , and reminiscence . While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'recollection' instead of 'memory'?

While the synonyms recollection and memory are close in meaning, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort. // after a moment's recollection he produced the name

Q: When is 'remembrance' a more appropriate choice than 'memory'?

The words remembrance and memory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered. // any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

Q: When might 'reminiscence' be a better fit than 'memory'?

The words reminiscence and memory can be used in similar contexts, but reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past. // my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

memory

noun

ˈmem-rē

Definition of memory next

as in recollection

the power or process of recalling what has been previously learned or experienced a photographic memory makes taking tests entirely too easy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in memorial

a particular act or instance of recalling or the thing remembered I have only the vaguest memory of the family vacation we took the year I turned three

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word memory distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of memory are recollection, remembrance, and reminiscence. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," 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 is it sensible to use recollection instead of memory?

While the synonyms recollection and memory are close in meaning, recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

When is remembrance a more appropriate choice than memory?

The words remembrance and memory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

When might reminiscence be a better fit than memory?

The words reminiscence and memory can be used in similar contexts, but reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

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 memory That memory now informs her professional practice. —

Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026 Alibaba says RynnBrain addresses both problems through spatiotemporal memory. —

Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 One group was focused on memory, learning techniques for remembering word lists, text materials and details of stories. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 An online obituary page for Johnson included dozens of messages from friends and family members sharing memories. —

Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for memory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for memory

recollection

Noun

The court hearings make evident that Hein’s memories of his youth sharply differ from the recollections shared by witnesses.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Although his bitter and often hilarious takedowns of enemies are juicy, Evans’s surprisingly tender recollections of dear friends are even better.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of recollection

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memorizing

memory

memos

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“Memory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/memory. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of memory

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