reflect

Definition of reflectnext
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

Relevance
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 Related Stories Maines told Variety that the launch reflects the company’s attempt to address a discovery issue tied to the rising volume of creator content. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 June 2026 Currently on show is the work of Rita Moreno Mir, whose palette reflects the island’s landscape. Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 Its design team offered suits that reflected Brioni’s Roman roots, seen for example in the color palette hinging on Rosso Roma and Trevi blue. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 The ’16 title was a collective effort, and the Cubs wanted any memorial honoring the team to reflect that. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Long added that Latin America is mirroring the United States in its political divisions.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Traumatized staff are mirroring Cao’s energy.
    Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The Justice Department declined to comment.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • The team has not yet commented on Stewart's trade.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Recently, many have remarked that our great city stands at a crossroads, ready to unshackle itself from the mistakes of the past but uncertain as to how.
    Matt Martin, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • At the time of publication, Jones — with whom Kern cheered during their time at Iowa State — does not appear to have remarked publicly on the tragic turn of events.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Most access points are reached from the west side, coming through Meeker, and Grimes noted that despite the isolation, the gravel roads are well-maintained, meaning a passenger vehicle should get you to most trailheads.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • All colors are the same price right now and come with free shipping, but note the delivery dates because some will arrive quicker than others.
    Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Swanson’s team also observed a faster vote count this year than in the 2022 and 2024 primaries.
    Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Irwin will observe the section’s sit-out period for transfers, Ellinghouse said.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Riccobono said that the training needs to start with something as basic as the right way to approach a blind passenger.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Rejoining would also generate yet more uncertainty for companies which are only just adapting to the new trading relationship, said Sean McGuire, a director at the Confederation of British Industry, a business lobby group.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on reflect

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster