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 Academy Award-winning Steven Soderbergh recently reflected on his latest project, the buzzy and well-reviewed espionage thriller Black Bag, lamenting the dissonance between its critical success versus its lackluster draw at the box office. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2025 Best Restaurants The most popular cuisines in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate's diverse cultural influences, with Middle Eastern and Arab flavors taking center stage. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 Each brand reflects a different consumer mindset—from entry-level convenience to prestige pampering. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Creator Darren Star reflected on the wig reveal seen around the world — when Kimberly reappears after the accident and de-wigs to display a giant brain surgery scar — to Entertainment Weekly in 2019. —EW.com, 9 Apr. 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
  • Advisors: ‘Tread carefully here’ A good starting point for investors would be to mirror a global stock fund like the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (VT), said Benz of Morningstar.
    — Greg Iacurci,Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Soft peach tones blend seamlessly into dreamy blues, mirroring the palette of Coachella sunrises and sunsets that have become as iconic as the performances themselves.
    — Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • County officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Read the judge's rulings: Both sides declined to comment, citing restrictions on discussing the active case.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of comment
Verb
  • In an interview with Letterboxd in March, Macfadyen, 50, remarked on the movie's staying power.
    — Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • These kids encounter someone dressed as a tree and do not remark upon that.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of remark
Verb
  • Before the Papacy As pope, he was noted to have an openness to his decision-making that differed from his papal predecessors.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • As Southern critics noted at the time, for the wrong reasons but not with the wrong logic, the American Revolution was itself an act of secession—from a functioning and successful union.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of note
Verb
  • The holiday was originally observed on April 19, the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, but was moved to the third Monday of April in 1969.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But, the best thing is always to be away from city lights in order to observe the fainter meteor streaks.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Tucked one of my wings, and just... dodged right out of there, said, 'Hell no, brother.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The child remains in the care and custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and was placed with a foster family, the agency said.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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