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 German physicist Heinrich Hertz was the first to prove that pulsing radio waves are reflected by metallic surfaces. Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2025 The country musician took the stage alongside his band for the rollicking tune, which reflects on a free-spirited woman who’s vanished from his life (but who is probably in Texas). Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025 That inclusivity is reflected behind the camera, too. Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 14 May 2025 With a focus on inclusivity and national unity, these celebrations will bring together communities, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the nation’s journey while looking ahead to the next chapter of its history. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Most states will mirror the federal tax treatment of student loan forgiveness, but not all.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The policy mirrors initiatives from the first Trump administration that were blocked in court.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The company declined to comment on those estimates.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, declined to comment when reached by CNN.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The current Pakistani army chief, Syed Asim Munir, has a reputation as a hard-liner, evident in his vitriolic, mid-April remarks about Kashmir and Hindu-Muslim differences.
    Lisa Curtis, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
  • Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced the closure on Monday and also remarked on the matter during a visit to the U.K.
    Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • For now, the following three attractions are excluded: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Mine-Cart Madness Dragon Racer’s Rally Guests should note that the free Express Passes included with stays at select Universal Orlando resorts may not be used at Epic Universe.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • There’s already a strong correlation between international films that were previous PCA winners at Toronto and Academy Awards’ international film nominations and winners, Lee noted.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Russia and Ukraine also pledged in March to observe a 30-day halt to attacking energy infrastructure that was brokered by the Trump administration.
    DASHA LITVINOVA, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • One only has to observe Amtrak’s woeful track record for keeping the Northeast Corridor running smoothly through New Jersey as an indication of their inability to handle serious repair projects.
    Gerard Bringmann, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The new alternatives could inspire people who were initially deterred by GLP-1 injectables’ high price tag to give these medications a try, Roebuck said.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 May 2025
  • While sometimes annoying, insects are more important than many of us give them credit for, say experts.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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