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 More than a sudden cultural revival of German movies, the figures reflect Germany’s strength as a co-production partner for mid-budget studio films. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026 Glaciers, snow and ice covered in the soot emitted by ships have less ability to reflect the sun. —CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Experts say the trend reflects consumers' economic unease. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026 Advertisement In the women’s free program, Glenn hung on to her triple axel, but received lower execution scores on that jump and the following two, reflecting her nerves at the start of the program. —Alice Park, Time, 9 Feb. 2026 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
  • Healthcare’s next era will likely be defined by infrastructures that mirror those in fintech or logistics, systems that operate invisibly beneath the surface while enabling every stakeholder to move with confidence.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The curved form, also coated in pink concrete resin, echoes the hues of the floor tiles and mirrors the geometry of traditional dammusi.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • Valenzuela declined to comment on the case further.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Pima County Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on reports of the release when asked overnight by NBC News.
    — NBC News, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of comment
Verb
  • Moran understood the gravity of such a call — particularly considering how joyful and emotional Alfredo was in his postrace remarks.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Such as the one where the candidate remarked that some white rural Americans were stupid and racist.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of remark
Verb
  • The first two paragraphs recalled the Holocaust, and noted that compiling a list of Jews as precedent thereto.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The iron-man mentality wasn’t much help in August (see stat to note), but 2025 saw Machado hit his 350th career homer and up his franchise-leading total to 194, surpass 2,000 career hits, earn his third Silver Slugger Award and start the All-Star Game at third base for the second time as a Padre.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of note
Verb
  • His family might never know all the details, but Bouzid gives the audience tangible knowledge of his passions and misgivings, accomplishing that by observing the five female characters in his orbit, and so the mystery of all their lives is fully revealed.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Supporters of the prosecution contend Lemon was not merely observing but actively participating in conduct that disrupted worshippers.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Conrad wasn’t sure how football fans would react but said most people eagerly accepted a towel.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Key Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa was arrested by heavily armed men on Sunday night, his supporters said, just hours after he had been released from a jail where he was held as a political prisoner.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reflect

Nglish: Translation of reflect for Spanish Speakers

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