reflect

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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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 Other bills that reflect the interests of the Trump administration include one banning fluoride from municipal water supplies and another renaming the iconic Tamiami Trail the Gulf of America Trail. Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 The investment firm said recent demand issues do not appear to reflect a structural problem with Chipotle and that this could be a good entry point for investors to buy the stock, which has struggled in 2025 so far and is up just 2% over the past 12 months. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025 Multiple public polls reflect growing dissatisfaction, and the dysfunction is evident. Desmon Yancy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 The Balinese holiday commemorates the start of the Hindu new year, which is when people take the time to stop, reflect, and rest. Essence, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Ask any Hurricane about what Cam Ward brought to the University of Miami and the answers mirror one another.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
  • His life story mirrored the character’s journey in the film, and his passion for life left a deep impression on me.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At the University of Chicago, a spokesman for NORC, which is part of a consortium that last year received a $53 million, 10-year grant to better integrate the use of evidence and data into USAID programs, declined to comment on the status of its funding.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The California Department of Education declined to comment.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Stan would then state how urgently this jalopy was in need of cleaning, and Sandra might remark dryly how men never change.
    Colm Tóibín, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Following the Oval Office confrontation, many world leaders have spoken out, remarking upon what happened.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One thing to note is that since Rutherford and Allvin took over in Vancouver, the club has somewhat rarely been very busy on deadline day itself — aside from minor trades involving players like Tyler Motte.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The company noted that comp sales in apparel and hardlines accelerated by nearly 4 percentage points compared with the third quarter, showing some momentum in the categories.
    Evan Clark, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fox News Digital observed the collaboration firsthand by accompanying the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) in Florida during their operations.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The restaurant’s seamless indoor-outdoor setting with a large patio provides a prime spot for observing incredible sunset views of the surrounding mountains.
    Taryn White, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The league does not publicize those distributions, but the Rays have been a beneficiary, people briefed on that process said.
    Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Initially, the damage was attributed to high winds but eventually was investigated as a hate crime, police said.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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