reflect

verb

ri-ˈflekt How to pronounce reflect (audio)
Definition of reflectnext
1
as in to mirror
to reproduce or show (an exact likeness) as a mirror would her face was reflected in the waters of the still pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to comment
to make a statement of one's opinion reflected on the huge influence that the electronic media have on our national elections

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reflect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reflect are cogitate, deliberate, reason, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

Where would cogitate be a reasonable alternative to reflect?

While the synonyms cogitate and reflect are close in meaning, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When is it sensible to use deliberate instead of reflect?

While in some cases nearly identical to reflect, deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

In what contexts can reason take the place of reflect?

The words reason and reflect can be used in similar contexts, but reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When might speculate be a better fit than reflect?

The meanings of speculate and reflect largely overlap; however, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When could think be used to replace reflect?

In some situations, the words think and reflect are roughly equivalent. However, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reflect This anxiety from foreigners about travel to the US in 2025 is increasingly reflected in the numbers. —Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 At the Phineas and Ferb season 5 premiere, Baker reflected on the deeper meaning behind the fan-favorite character. —EW.com, 7 June 2025 The Silicon Valley layoffs reflect the retailer's push to adapt to a rapidly changing tech landscape, while the layoffs relating to migrant workers reflect the far-reaching impact of the government's immigration policy. —Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 In December 2023, Lennox celebrated one year of sobriety and reflected on her journey via Instagram. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
  1. mirror
  2. comment
  3. remark
  4. note
  5. observe
  6. say
Verb
  • In the 1960s, their look mirrored the polished soul singer archetype: tight tailoring, high-sheen shoes, and just enough attitude to make ‘clean-cut’ feel dangerous.
    — Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 June 2025
  • The fund would hold Bitcoin in custody via Foris DAX Trust Company, LLC, and seek to mirror the digital currency's price minus fees and liabilities.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • Nobody was available to comment on Trump’s latest executive order.
    — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • His attorney, Michael Wales, declined to comment when contacted by telephone.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
Definition of comment
Verb
  • None of the people involved in the project nor any members of the band had publicly remarked on the news as of Thursday afternoon.
    — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • The meetings were held amid doubts following U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff broadsides and remarks questioning the utility of Washington's security commitments in the region.
    — Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Definition of remark
Verb
  • Allen also noted the 1868 Hayward Fault earthquake that struck the heart of the Bay Area and killed 30 people.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • The diplomat noted that the consulate is assisting Hondurans even without appointments and has opened on Saturdays to meet demand.
    — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Definition of note
Verb
  • While speaking to Joseph, officers observed signs of intoxication.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
  • Throughout the procedure, anesthesiologist Dr. Ryan Watkins observed Moreno and noted no complications, the dental office stated.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Shortly after, Kehl would fall to his death at a neighboring building — police have yet to say if the fall was intentional or accidental.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
  • Padilla said he got fed up listening to her remarks about criminals and invasions and tried to ask a question, while moving forward past the wall of television cameras.
    — Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Definition of say

Browse Nearby Words

refixing
reflect
reflected
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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of reflect for Spanish Speakers

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