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 Costello was a series regular on the single-season 1977 CBS drama The Fitzpatricks, but she is probably best remembered for her recurring role over five seasons (1972-1977) of CBS’ hit family drama The Waltons. Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 Wayne remembers trying to care for his father in his last years, only to be waved off during hours-long phone conversations with Sonny Rollins. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 Thaiboy remembers his last days in Sweden marked by the steady rise of the Swedish Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots that made strides in the 2014 elections. Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026 What Yakusho remembers most vividly is a scene that went further than intended. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remember
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remember
recall
Verb
  • In the story, when the news of the bombing breaks, all the staff recall their memories of visiting Boston.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Bode recalled in a video shared on TikTok.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Remember.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remember. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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