reflective
adjective
re·flec·tive
ri-ˈflek-tiv 
1
: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2
: marked by reflection : thoughtful, deliberative
3
: of, relating to, or caused by reflection
reflective glare
5
: reflecting something : indicative
how fashion is reflective of society—
Glenda Bailey
Glenda Bailey
reflectively
adverb
reflectiveness
noun
Did you know?
Reflective people are people who reflect on things--that is, look back at things that have been done or said in order to think calmly and quietly about them. Most reflective people would agree with Socrates that (as he told the jury that would soon sentence him to death) "The unexamined life is not worth living". Reflective people tend to be a bit philosophical and intellectual. But almost everyone has reflective moods; gazing into a fireplace or a campfire seems to do it to almost everyone.
Examples of reflective in a Sentence
the reflective glare of the shiny metal
She was in a very reflective mood.
Recent Examples on the Web
The surface of the moon is notably smooth, white and reflective, with a surface temperature that extremely cold – about negative 330 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The gold and silver flecked branches work with any type of holiday decor and are ultra-reflective to provide the most brightness.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
On the other side of the coin, a hearty shift toward big romance and a little eroticism has not kept Swift from dipping into her characteristically more reflective songwriting, as a yin to the album’s celebratory yang.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The service included readings of verses from the Bible, reflective prayers and comforting gospel songs.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflective
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Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The gold and silver flecked branches work with any type of holiday decor and are ultra-reflective to provide the most brightness.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
On the other side of the coin, a hearty shift toward big romance and a little eroticism has not kept Swift from dipping into her characteristically more reflective songwriting, as a yin to the album’s celebratory yang.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The service included readings of verses from the Bible, reflective prayers and comforting gospel songs.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflective
Cite this Entry
“Reflective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflective. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reflective
adjective
re·flec·tive
ri-ˈflek-tiv
1
: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2
: marked by reflection : thoughtful
3
: of, relating to, or caused by reflection
reflectively
adverb
reflectiveness
noun
reflectivity
noun
ˌrē-ˌflek-ˈtiv-ət-ē
ri-
Medical Definition
reflective
adjective
re·flec·tive
ri-ˈflek-tiv
1
: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2
: of, relating to, or caused by reflection
reflective glare of the snow
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