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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2

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 Academy Award-winning Steven Soderbergh recently reflected on his latest project, the buzzy and well-reviewed espionage thriller Black Bag, lamenting the dissonance between its critical success versus its lackluster draw at the box office. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2025 Best Restaurants The most popular cuisines in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate's diverse cultural influences, with Middle Eastern and Arab flavors taking center stage. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 Each brand reflects a different consumer mindset—from entry-level convenience to prestige pampering. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Creator Darren Star reflected on the wig reveal seen around the world — when Kimberly reappears after the accident and de-wigs to display a giant brain surgery scar — to Entertainment Weekly in 2019. EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Travelers will find that the bundles mirror those sold on other low-cost airlines like JetBlue, and the more expensive fares will come with more amenities included.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The findings mirror a recent consumer survey released by the University of Michigan.
    Kevin Williams, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When reached for comment, the China Film Administration did not immediately respond to Bloomberg’s request, and all four studios declined to comment.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025
  • His office did not comment on whether DeSantis would sign the measure.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In an interview with Letterboxd in March, Macfadyen, 50, remarked on the movie's staying power.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • These kids encounter someone dressed as a tree and do not remark upon that.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Apr 21, 3:05 am Pope Francis, everyman leader of the Roman Catholic Church, dies at 88 Pope Francis, whose time as head of the Catholic Church was noted for an everyman humility and outreach efforts to people of disparate backgrounds and faiths, has died at 88, the Vatican has confirmed.
    Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The researchers also noted that 16% of all breast cancer cases can be linked to drinking alcohol.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The holiday was originally observed on April 19, the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, but was moved to the third Monday of April in 1969.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But, the best thing is always to be away from city lights in order to observe the fainter meteor streaks.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The constitutional provision prohibiting public funds from being used for sectarian purposes echoed language drafted by Native Americans, the historians and legal scholars said.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Base personnel contacted the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which looked into the matter, said the official.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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