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 Photos posted to the Facebook and Instagram accounts of Roley's mother and stepfather, reviewed by ABC News, reflect that familiarity with firearms. Mike Levine, ABC News, 1 July 2025 The organization reflected a pattern in this new generation of filmmakers in the Central American country, largely comprised of women, with many telling stories focused on issues of womanhood and, most specifically, being a woman in Costa Rica today. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 1 July 2025 These declines reflect the consequences of weak follow-through, lack of vision, or resistance to innovation. Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Still, the comments reflected an apparent gap in communication, adding to the feeling of unease that permeated the room. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • When his daughter Valentina remarks that Messi’s post has gone viral, Baggio understands — but apparently without understanding why.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Coach Mark Daigneault, another quiet architect of this success story, spoke volumes with his postgame remarks.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • This article has been updated to note Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's title as the Indian external affairs minister.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Fellow Republican Bush also appeared in the recorded message with a rebuke of Trump’s efforts, noting that the cuts will drastically impact the landmark AIDS/HIV program started in his administration that is credited with saving tens of millions of lives globally.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • This is a time to sit back, observe, and reevaluate your resources carefully before taking any big risks.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Collectors take note: Strauss observed that of all the suites, items for the Dynasty era were the hardest to find.
    Rima Suqi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice said that in his city, at least 40 power lines are still down after the storms.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Allegations involving Thompson were made with the Newport Beach Police Department and the California Medical Board more than a year before his arrest, the master complaint says, and the lawsuit alleges that men reported Thompson’s conduct to other Hoag physicians.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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