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 The views and opinions expressed by podcasters and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Deloitte or its personnel. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025 Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Time, 29 Oct. 2025 James encourages women to build in space to rest and reflect throughout their treatment journey. Essence, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • The approach mirrors Xbox’s Play Anywhere strategy and recent messaging that strict exclusivity is outdated.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The streaming schedule largely mirrors CNN’s existing US cable channel, including the complete prime-time lineup, mixed with a few hours from two other CNN channels.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One person commented on her post suggested that OP just pick one party to attend.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Both Cassava and Nvidia declined to comment on the nature and size of the investment.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 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
  • Conklin did not edit the de Blasio article, a person familiar with the coverage said.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • What’s more, Microsoft will remain capacity constrained for the remainder of the fiscal year, Hood said.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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