REMINISCENCE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reminiscence

noun

ˌre-mə-ˈni-sᵊn(t)s

Definition of reminiscence

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

Relevance

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 Ah, reminiscences of days working on an oil rig gone by! — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 May 2026 McLarty and Walker shift from depressive introspection to giggling reminiscences. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 Her reminiscences accompany photographs of Chocobar in earlier, happier times, and these scenes dovetail with other interviews and donated materials to achieve a loose, warm-spirited portrait of a community. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 In the nightmare scenario that kicks off Transcription, the disabling of the narrator’s phone—that ingenious receptacle for distraction, and discomfort, and crap—sets in motion a series of observations and reminiscences that prod the narrator’s unconscious, bringing the novel into being. — Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reminiscence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminiscence

Noun

But Keegan’s bravery, his optimism and his romantic ideal will live on as memories for City fans forever.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Tyler James Feehan shared memories of the 25-year-old who was killed on July 17 as a result of Iranian strikes on Jordan.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of memory

Noun

Among his vulnerable confessions include a detailed recollection of his first love, Nicolas de Lenfent (Joseph Potter), who became a vampire with Lestat.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 July 2026
In the beginning of season 18, he was attacked by prisoners and woke up with no recollection of his identity or his past crimes.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026

Definition of recollection

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“Reminiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminiscence. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reminiscence

noun

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