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

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of memory Disney Experiences is in many ways the secret sauce for the company, the place where IP meets the real world, and where emotional memories are formed by fans. —

Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Jan. 2025 When asked about his favorite memories from the show, Ferrara, 45, says some of the earlier episodes stand out. —

Marina Watts, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024 Looking for a reason to dub classical music elitist, an ongoing memory of monarchs, look no further. —

Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Kansas imposed a proof-of-citizenship requirement more than a decade ago that grew into one of the biggest political fiascos in the state in recent memory. —

John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for memory