reflection

noun

re·​flec·​tion ri-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce reflection (audio)
Synonyms of reflection
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part : fold
4
: something produced by reflecting: such as
a
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
b
: an effect produced by an influence
the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society
5
: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach
a reflection on his character
6
: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7
: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8
obsolete : turning back : return
9
a
: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane
b
: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
reflectional
ri-ˈflek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce reflection (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of reflection

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Examples of reflection in a Sentence

She was looking at her reflection in the mirror. He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There’s also some reflection on how the arc of this transformation of television has gradually bent back towards the old ways. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026 Some of the other presidents’ physical activities prompted some reflection on his own physique. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Learning still requires reflection, experience, and enough time to understand why something worked in one situation but failed in another. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 The flags are saved for periodic retirement ceremonies that involve reciting a script, standing at attention, a moment of silent reflection, and the subsequent burning. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflection was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reflection

Rhymes for reflection

See All Rhymes for reflection

Browse Nearby Words

reflecting telescope
reflection
reflectional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reflection

noun
re·​flec·​tion ri-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce reflection (audio)
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
4
: something that brings blame or disgrace
a reflection on my honesty
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
6
: careful thought
much reflection on the problem
reflectional
-shnəl How to pronounce reflection (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

reflection

noun
re·​flec·​tion
variants also British reflexion
ri-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce reflection (audio)
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part or a fold
the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum
4
: something produced by reflecting
especially : an image given back by a reflecting surface

More from Merriam-Webster on reflection

Nglish: Translation of reflection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reflection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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