comes to mind
Suddenly gets recalled
Comes to mind describes something that occurs to you spontaneously, entering your thoughts without deliberate effort: When I think of great jazz pianists, Thelonious Monk comes to mind.
Often used when answering questions or making associations: Nothing comes to mind right now.
The phrase suggests mental retrieval—ideas surfacing from memory or imagination rather than being actively sought.
Arising without conscious thought
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
- automaticOperating without intervention
- unpremeditatedWithout advance planning
- impromptuWithout advance preparation
involuntary · unbidden · unprompted · reflexive · sudden · immediate · snap judgment · gut reaction
Grasping what's true
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- clarityState of being understandable
- aha momentSudden flash of understanding
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
understanding · awareness · recognition · connection · lightbulb moment · dawn on · strike · hit upon
Retain in mind
- recollectRetrieve past experiences
- reminisceRecall past experiences fondly
- retrieveGet something back
- flashbackInvoluntary past memory
nostalgia · memories · retrospect · recollection · reminiscence · evocation · conjure · summon
instinctive
Arising without conscious thought
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
- automaticOperating without intervention
- unpremeditatedWithout advance planning
impromptu · involuntary · unbidden · unprompted · reflexive · sudden · immediate · snap judgment · gut reaction · blurt out
realization
Grasping what's true
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- clarityState of being understandable
- aha momentSudden flash of understanding
revelation · understanding · awareness · recognition · connection · lightbulb moment · dawn on · strike · hit upon · click
remember
Retain in mind
flashback · nostalgia · memories · retrospect · recollection · reminiscence · evocation · conjure · summon · trigger
comes to minddraws a blank
Fails to recall
blanks out · forgets · on the tip of my tongue · repressed · forgotten
come, comes, came, coming, mind, minds, minded, minding, mindful