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 This is how Goodman’s own life reflects the notion of planting by the signs. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025 Five decades into her career, the Cuban American legend — along with Shakira, Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello and more — reflects on her legacy in Latin music. Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 18 Aug. 2025 The attention to detail extended beyond makeup to costume design and set decoration, reflecting the production’s ambitious scope. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Aug. 2025 Scientists are still trying to understand how clouds behave and how tiny aerosol particles impact their ability to reflect sunlight and produce rain. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • The Golden State's slowing job market mirrored the national economy, which saw 73,000 jobs added in July, lower than monthly job gains earlier this year and the downward revisions for May and June.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The episode itself mirrors the conceit, unfolding as a true oner, with the camera weaving and barreling through the set in a state of mounting, anxious momentum as Matt’s meddling escalates.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of Homeland Security, the agency that houses ICE, did not immediately comment.
    Cayla Bamberger, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • For their part, Swift and Lively have not publicly commented on how, or if, any of this has affected their friendship, though they haven't been seen in public together in quite some time.
    Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The World Series champion remarked on what led to his split with the actress.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • O'Brien remarked on the recent news that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end in 2026, noting that important, outspoken voices like his will remain, even if their platform shifts.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • No sale, clearance, or membership items were noted.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
  • These inspections include checking smoke detectors, noting if egress routes are clearly marked, and checking things such as exit signs and emergency lighting.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Smallville was a petri dish for virtual sociality; rather than watching cells multiply, Park observed the agents gradually coalescing from individual nodes into a unified network.
    Webb Wright, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Three food establishments were closed for serious health violations: Rainbow Food Mart, at 1936 Mitchell Blvd, was temporarily closed after live roaches were observed in the snack bar area, along with improper cold holding temperatures and expired food handler certificates.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The insect has since been reported in more than a dozen states, with infestations nearly consuming portions of the Northeastern U.S. TDA said the fly was spotted in Middle Tennessee in September 2023.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Overnight temperatures in the Phoenix metro area will only dip to the 90s, the NWS Phoenix office said.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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