reminisce

verb

Definition of reminiscenext
1
as in to remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ponder

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Before presenting the prize to the Only Murders in the Building cast, Deschanel and Greenfield reminisced over their time on the beloved Fox sitcom. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 In an emotional acceptance speech, Sawai thanked the Shōgun cast, reminiscing on the end of a season and celebrating their work together. —Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 23 Feb. 2025 Bruce’s kids were just reminiscing about Rosie and mentioned these other delicious soups. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 Andy Hoglund reminisced with Bobby Moynihan about his most recognizable character last month. —Vulture Staff, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reminisce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reminisce
  1. remember
  2. ponder
  3. recall
  4. ruminate
  5. recollect
  6. contemplate
  7. analyze
  8. explore
Verb
  • Last season, remember, was their first time back in the competition after a six-year absence.
    — Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In one telling anecdote, Maron remembers how he was often tasked by his mother with telling a joke whenever his father was in a mood.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of remember
Verb
  • Many Americans have taken to social media to ponder what a democratic country looks like without a federal agency at the helm of education.
    — Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Lim has obviously pondered this cosmic music at length.
    — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • Trump's team has axed foreign assistance contracts and continues to dismantle USAID, which managed $43 billion and had 10,000 members staff in 2023 but has seen thousands of agency employees furloughed, fired or recalled from postings abroad since Trump took office.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Also that day, neighbor Paul Frantz recalls seeing Mayer's son driving the victim's car.
    — David K. Li, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of recall
Verb
  • Even more, working out prevents you from ruminating by taking your mind off whatever’s going wrong in your life.
    — Julia Ries, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The film is a lolling, ruminating afternoon bathed in sunlight and plaintive reflection as Peter vividly recalls interactions with names that will be familiar to you, like Susan Sontag, and other intellectuals and creators of the period.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of ruminate
Verb
  • Former Dolphins first-round pick Dion Jordan, who history will recollect as one of Miami’s biggest draft busts, struggled with it, and resorted to drugs.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The feel of a stadium, being able to recollect success against a certain team, or how hot or cold the temperature is can certainly impact a player’s full potential.
    — Tyler Small, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of recollect
Verb
  • Such theoretical impairments would be concerning in any context—but especially when contemplating a person who has achieved enough power to be unironically described as co-president of the United States.
    — Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • With America out of the picture, Europe is beginning to contemplate moves that would have been unimaginable mere months ago.
    — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • Creativity Can Be Your AI-Proof Superpower Sure, AI can analyze data much faster than any human, but true creativity?
    — William Arruda, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this week that the FAA will use artificial intelligence to analyze data to look for similar danger areas.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • Our four-day, three-night stay at Kempinski Palace Engelberg, the 129-room and suite Grand Dame of the town, proved enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy.
    — Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • After starring in the Western historical drama for nearly a decade, Gilbert explored other opportunities in Hollywood, focusing on television.
    — Julie Tremaine, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of explore

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Cite this Entry

“Reminisce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reminisce. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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