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 As for the black-and-white color scheme, it was apparently chosen to reflect the golden age of Hollywood, when Phantom was a symbol of the era of glamour, and movies were shot in black and white. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025 These measures reflect a broader trend among state governments. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 The film’s more compelling moments reflect the rich uncertainty that Polly is able to mine from her new boss, whether that has to do with challenging her parental instincts, her lust for life, or even her sanity. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025 How might Polarity’s actions in the finale reflect someone who still very much has something to live for, even beyond his son? Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Trump has already made some other changes at the White House, like golden adornments in the Oval Office and a new patio in the Rose Garden, both of which mirror the aesthetic of his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Her idyllic life with her husband Aitor (Roberto Álamo) and their teenage son Sebas (Teo Soler) begins to crumble when Félix is released from prison, coinciding with a new wave of crimes that eerily mirror the murders committed 25 years ago.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Newsweek reached out to representatives for Greene by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But the royal family has not commented publicly on any of that.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When reached for comment, the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong referred Newsweek to remarks that then-Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya—who left the role on October 21—made last week.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • During her June conversation withT Magazine, Copeland remarked on the prejudiced stereotypes that once kept Black dancers off of the most prestigious stages in the world.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rogers noted that the book argues that a central cause of the war was Anglo settlers’ determination to keep slaves in bondage after Mexico largely abolished it.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Tape nerds will note that Dončić also made six 2s from the left side of the free-throw area.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Did Indiana observe daylight saving time in the 1990s?
    Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The suspect was observed by officers on the 1000 block of Middlefield Road, where he was contacted by police.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There is certainly one moral argument for taking games overseas, for saying that fans who follow their team from all corners of the world deserve to have their game and their heroes brought to them.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Since the city does not own the adjacent former Staples building, which Spirit Halloween is leasing, there are no plans for that building to be part of the redevelopment, said Middletown Vice Mayor Steve West.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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