reflect

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

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 Related Stories Maines told Variety that the launch reflects the company’s attempt to address a discovery issue tied to the rising volume of creator content. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 June 2026 Currently on show is the work of Rita Moreno Mir, whose palette reflects the island’s landscape. Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 Its design team offered suits that reflected Brioni’s Roman roots, seen for example in the color palette hinging on Rosso Roma and Trevi blue. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 The ’16 title was a collective effort, and the Cubs wanted any memorial honoring the team to reflect that. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Such an approach mirrors a broader trend in modern warfare, where mobility and concealment have become as important as firepower.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • At Yogyakarta’s Piyungan landfill in Indonesia, a city’s waste is sorted by scavengers and consumed by cows, quietly piling up into a hill, with their forms mirroring the landscape of trash around them.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • To help identify which aspects to comment on, Ginexi provides a helpful breakdown of the different sections of the OMB’s proposal.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • Officials were not able to comment on what prompted the man to set himself on fire.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • In other instances, when people have remarked on his literary leanings, Brooks has demurred.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • After the final friendly, when a reporter remarked on the team's fluidity and intensity, Pochettino looked satisfied.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • A number of lawmakers however did not vote on the bill, a quieter form of skepticism, and Senate President pro Tem Monique Limon noted to reporters that both bills passed via slim margins of approval.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
  • Miranda noted that two recent incidents drew scrutiny, which both involved dogs deemed a danger to others that were euthanized.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • At a hearing on June 24 observed by The Times, 14 immigrants didn’t make their appointment, and were ordered removable by the end of the day.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service, global ocean temperatures outside the polar regions hit record levels on June 21, surpassing levels for the time of the year observed in both 2023 and 2024.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Sources told Rolling Stone that Stevie Nicks, a longtime friend of Swift, will be present at the ceremony — and another said that the singer-songwriter would perform on the special day.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • In a press release, Bonta reiterated his commitment to combating hate in California, and said the data obtained are accessible and critical to stopping such crimes in the state.
    Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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