reflection

noun

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re·flec·tion | \ ri-ˈflek-shən

Definition of reflection

1 : an instance of reflecting especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface

2 : the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

3a : the action of bending or folding back

b : a reflected part : fold

4 : something produced by reflecting: such as

a : an image given back by a reflecting surface

b : an effect produced by an influence the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society

5 : an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach a reflection on his character

6 : a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation

7 : consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose

8 obsolete : turning back : return

9a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane

b : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system

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Synonyms for reflection

Synonyms

Examples of reflection in a Sentence

She was looking at her reflection in the mirror. He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.

Recent Examples on the Web Their lives become a reflection of the dichotomous belief that love is extremely dangerous and the only thing that matters. — Remy Ramirez, Marie Claire, "My Tarot Card Dependency Controlled My Life," 9 Apr. 2021 The questions asked of her are a good reflection of where the press' priorities are. — Oliver Darcy, CNN, "Data reveals the topics reporters are asking the White House about the most," 7 Apr. 2021 The glorified, fantastical violence of gangsta rap is a reflection of the actual urban violence of the genre’s heyday. — Robert Verbruggen, National Review, "Does the Woke Mob Have the Guts to Cancel Rap?," 7 Apr. 2021 The result is and will continue to be an honest reflection of coffee’s past and the representation emerging throughout the world. — Danielle Bernabe, Fortune, "How the pandemic and social unrest motivated a new coalition to build an equitable foundation for the coffee industry," 28 Mar. 2021 The overall combined amounts, though, stayed relatively flat and are a more accurate reflection of the actual increases students will face. — Courtney Tanner, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Tuition and fees are increasing at all but one college in Utah. Can you guess which?," 26 Mar. 2021 Is the forecast simply a reflection of Canadian oil producers' supply projections? — Mike Hughlett, Star Tribune, "Oil demand, future of Enbridge Line 3 argued before appeals court," 23 Mar. 2021 Construction was up by 4,400 jobs, which was a reflection of homebuilding being declared an essential service early in the pandemic. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego’s economy was rocked in ’20. But could it have been worse?," 20 Mar. 2021 On the other end of Kid 90 is a reflection of you as a young woman, whose work earned you a level of privilege many of us have never seen, hanging out with other cool celebrities. — Candice Frederick, Harper's BAZAAR, "Soleil Moon Frye “Opened Pandora's Box” by Creating Kid 90," 17 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.