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 Certain napping behaviors may reflect underlying health issues or poor sleep quality. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 19 June 2025 Every corner of this home has a story, and every design choice reflects them. Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025 Speaking directly to the camera, Hatt reflected on her dating history—or lack thereof—and the weight of societal expectations that come with entering a new decade of adulthood without a partner. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Critics of the Pentagon’s decision warn that depriving Ukraine of essential defenses risks emboldening Moscow, while proponents argue the reallocation reflects the Pentagon’s need to meet global security obligations with limited resources. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Many of his directives this term have closely mirrored Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda that explicitly prioritizes eroding LGBTQ rights.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 June 2025
  • There’s often something quite nice about home and away kits that mirror each other, the same design but with the colours reversed.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Ché is somehow here, too, and commenting on the fact that the Argentine upper class (and military) disapprove of Eva.
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 29 June 2025
  • His lawyers have declined to comment on the charges, which could carry the federal death penalty.
    Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Still, in those early days, some around Carrington recall a new recruit who quickly acknowledged the scale of the task in front of him, with Wilcox remarking as much to more than one person.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Additionally, Meghan remarked on how she’s been able to tell her story from her perspective.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • But, as President Zelensky noted at the G7 summit, additional funding from allies to speed the development and production process could save a lot of lives.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • As the researchers note, there are plenty of caveats.
    James Doubek, NPR, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Gannett, the parent company of USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network, also observes Juneteenth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • The software is plugged into the brand’s website to observe, in real time, which specific pages are being crawled the most.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • In addition to frequent password updates, individuals will need to be more alert about the increasing amount of malware hiding in illegitimate software, applications and other downloadable files, Valenzuela said.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • An unknown gunman shot the boy while inside an apartment on the 6400 block of South Ingleside Avenue just after 6 p.m., police said.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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