reminiscent

[ rem-uh-nis-uhnt ]

adjective

1. awakening memories of something similar; suggestive (usually followed by of ):

   His style of writing is reminiscent of Melville's.

2. characterized by or of the nature of reminiscence.
3. given to reminiscence:

   a reminiscent old sailor.

reminiscent

/ ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsənt /

adjective

1. postpositivefoll byof stimulating memories (of) or comparisons (with)
2. characterized by reminiscence
3. (of a person) given to reminiscing

Derived Forms

• ˌremiˈniscently, adverb

Other Words From

• remi·niscent·ly adverb
• unrem·i·niscent adjective
• unrem·i·niscent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reminiscent¹

First recorded in 1755–65; from Latin reminiscent-, stem of reminiscēns “remembering,” present participle of reminiscī “to remember,” from re- re- + -miniscī (akin to mēns “mind”; mind )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reminiscent¹

C18: from Latin reminiscī to call to mind, from re- + mēns mind

Example Sentences

It's reminiscent of Elon Musk's Texas compound, where he can play out his fantasies of being a feudal king behind walls that shield him from the scary real world.

From Salon

It is reminiscent of every guy who says "you're not that hot" when a woman turns him down.

From Salon

This scene was reminiscent of the 31-point blowout in Arizona earlier this season.

From Los Angeles Times

In conversations with Muslim leaders in Michigan, Trump said he was for peace in the Middle East—but how he accomplishes this seems reminiscent of Richard Nixon’s plan for peace in Vietnam, which helped him win the 1968 presidential election but turned out to be bombing the North Vietnamese into submission.

From Slate

In addition to the personal unlikability the nation will once again be exposed to on a daily basis, Trump’s plans to impose heavy taxes on imported products and deport undocumented immigrants—who make up a significant portion of the labor force—would likely lead to price inflation and shortages reminiscent of the 2021–22 period that appears to have permanently damaged Biden.

From Slate

Related Words

• evocative
• redolent
• similar