Definition of remembernext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remember distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of remember are recall, recollect, remind, and reminisce. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," remember implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled.

remembers that day as though it were yesterday

When would recall be a good substitute for remember?

The synonyms recall and remember are sometimes interchangeable, but recall suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech.

can't recall the words of the song

When can recollect be used instead of remember?

The words recollect and remember can be used in similar contexts, but recollect implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered.

as near as I can recollect

When could remind be used to replace remember?

Although the words remind and remember have much in common, remind suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity.

that reminds me of a story

In what contexts can reminisce take the place of remember?

While in some cases nearly identical to remember, reminisce implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

old college friends like to reminisce

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 remember People remember who made the effort. Nathan Green, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2026 Sometimes, looking to the future requires us to remember the past. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 18 May 2026 Amelia Garibay remembered her neighbor at 119 Saint Marie Circle in Sacramento’s Parkway neighborhood, which sold at auction in May 2024 for $321,600. Graham Womack may 18, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026 Hawke can’t remember the last time one of her peers embarked on a tour that turned a profit. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • The Dodgers recalled left-hander Charlie Barnes to take Snell’s place on the active roster.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • The rooms Although the 66 rooms are in a building wing added on to the original brick structure that, from the outside, is very modern, the interior design of the rooms manages to recall the 20th century Tudor style while simultaneously encompassing contemporary touches.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on remember

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster