When someone has a good memory, you might want to come up with a good word to describe them. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many suitable choices out there. Still, this article will explore some of the best options available to you.
The preferred synonyms are “eidetic,” “photographic memory,” and “mnemonist.” These words show that someone has a talent or a knack for remembering things in their lives. It’s made more impressive when you see that other people can’t remember things in the same way.
Eidetic
“Eidetic” works well to show that someone can remember exact details from their past. They are usually able to remember exactly how things happened and what they felt when those things took place.
You can use this word when you want to show that someone is able to remember something exactly as it happened. It also gives these people an edge when it comes to exams or questions that relate to topics they’ve previously learned about (since they won’t forget what they learned).
The definition of “eidetic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “an eidetic memory is the ability to remember things in exact detail as if you can see them in your mind.”
- I have an eidetic memory, which means I don’t forget a lot of things that happen in my life. It’s both a blessing and a curse.
- I’m not sure if his eidetic memory is going to help him much here. Most of these questions will relate to things he’s never seen before.
- Your eidetic memory is great, but you need to start revising more. You need to show that you can get the grades you deserve.
Photographic Memory
“Photographic memory” is slightly more common than “eidetic memory,” though many people rank “eidetic” as the more superior form of recollection. Someone with a photographic memory is able to remember exact details from their past.
The idea here comes from taking photographs. It implies that your mind is able to take photographs of past events and memories. You can then relive these events by remembering everything from that day.
The definition of “photographic memory,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “if you have a photographic memory, you are able to remember things in exact detail.”
- With a photographic memory, it’s really easy to remember every little detail about our relationship. I know everything that’s happened.
- I can always rely on my photographic memory to help me through trivia nights. I know every answer when it’s something from my past.
- You’ll find that he has a bit of a photographic memory. It can be a bit annoying at first but just go with it.
Mnemonist
“Mnemonist” works when you want to show that someone is capable of remembering a lot of detail. They usually have specific ways of doing this, like singing in a specific tune or reciting a poem that allows them to unlock their memory.
The definition of “mnemonic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something.”
From this definition, you can use “mnemonist” to show that someone uses these tricks and special words to help them remember things in their lives. It shows that someone is capable of remembering in a much more efficient way than those around them.
- As a mnemonist, I like to challenge myself to remember things that I know other people struggle with. I can recite Pi to a hundred places.
- Being a mnemonist was never easy. I had to do a lot of practice, but I found out how to do it later on in life.
- She is a mnemonist, so she sings to herself a lot when she needs to remember how to do or say something. It’s quite impressive.
Hyperthymesia
“Hyperthymesia” is the ability to recall things from your past with great accuracy. It’s known as having a “highly superior autobiographical memory,” which allows you to pinpoint past events in your life exactly as they happened.
For most people, the past stays in the past. While memories allow for certain things to be remembered, most memories end up being a passing blur.
When someone has hyperthymesia, their memories are as clear as the day they lived through them.
- I have hyperthymesia, which makes it easy for me to remember things that have happened in my past. I can always go back to them.
- His hyperthymesia makes it so difficult to argue with him. He remembers everything, and I can’t argue against that!
- She wants to be tested for hyperthymesia because she reckons she can remember just about everything that happens in her life.
Autobiographical Memory
“Autobiographical memory” is another good phrase. This one comes from the idea of hyperthymesia, which shows that someone has a superior ability that allows them to recall past events in their lives.
The idea comes from autobiographies. Autobiographies are books written by people about their personal lives and what happened in them. Having a memory that allows you to relive these things is a great way to remember what happened in your past.
- My autobiographical memory allows me to recollect points from my past. Even my parents can’t remember most of the things I can.
- I like having an autobiographical memory. It’s made it so much easier for me to write this book about my past and the things I’ve done.
- I know you have an autobiographical memory, and I need you to use that. There’s something in your past I need to know about.
Good Memory
“Good memory” is a fairly common way to refer to someone who has a good memory. You don’t always need to rely on a specific word or synonym. Sometimes, using the “good” adjective is best.
The problem with saying that someone has a good memory is that there aren’t many words you can use to refer to the phenomenon. That’s why it’s common for “good memory” to be used.
- He has a particularly good memory. Maybe you can ask him about it to find out whether he remembers what your code is.
- I’m not sure if you have as good a memory as you think you do. You don’t seem to remember anything useful right now.
- Her good memory gets her through college quite easily. She doesn’t have to revise any of her main subjects.
Fantastic Memory
“Fantastic memory” is another phrase you can use to show that someone’s memory is better than most. Again, it’s not common to use words or idioms that directly relate to having a good memory, which is why “fantastic” can come before “memory.”
Feel free to use any adjective that positively reflects somebody’s memory. Things like “great memory” and “brilliant memory” are other good examples of what adjectives you can use.
- You have a fantastic memory, but I don’t think you utilize it enough. You need to start showing the world what you can do.
- I know your fantastic memory is what you depend on, but you can’t do that forever. One of these days, you’ll have to work hard.
- They both have fantastic memories. They remember everything about their pasts, and it makes for interesting conversations.
Recollective
“Recollective” comes from the idea of “recollection.” It’s an adjective that describes someone’s ability to remember things. While many dictionaries don’t officially recognize it, it’s still a great word you can use in many cases.
As a synonym for having a good memory, “recollective” allows you to show that you can recollect things that have happened in your past. The more detailed you can be with these recollections, the more “recollective” you are.
The definition of “recollection,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “the ability to remember things.”
- I have a recollective mind. All of the things that have happened in my past are made much clearer to me when I really focus on them.
- I like being recollective of these kinds of things. It helps me to open up and share my history with others.
- You’re very recollective. It seems like you enjoy living in the past and remembering all of the things that have happened to you.
Intelligent
“Intelligent” is a loose alternative you can use. It doesn’t directly relate to having a good memory, but it can sometimes work. It depends on the context of how you use “intelligent” more than anything else.
The problem with using “intelligent” is that not all intelligent people have good memories. Similarly, not all people with good memories are “intelligent.” It only works when you know someone is both intelligent and has a good memory.
The definition of “intelligent,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “showing intelligence, or able to learn and understand things easily.”
- Being intelligent gives me an edge because of all the things I can remember. It’s helped me get through life so far.
- I know you’re intelligent, which is why you’re able to remember all of the things you can. Can you help us figure it out, though?
- She’s not as intelligent as you are. You remember everything that happens in your life. That’s a real gift if you ask me.