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 In this conversation, George reflects on how SirDavis is reshaping the definition of luxury, how whisky can carry a voice as resonant as a song, and why this brand is built for legacy. Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025 Our unwillingness to compromise our values, no matter the odds or the outcome, reflects a simple conviction that standing up for the truth and what is right matters. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 These numbers do not reflect uniformed military personnel or federal contractors. John Tufts, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025 Owned by a family from Veracruz, the bakery reflects the traditional bread-making styles of their hometown. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • Welcome to the Swiss Model The Women’s Champions League switches to the Swiss model this season, mirroring the men’s competition, which has used the format since last season.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Within these timeless spaces, the robot joins human performers once again, mirroring their steps in hallways and open courtyards.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Newsweek contacted Johnson by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) has named multidisciplinary artist Nilbar Güreş, known for her humorous, poetic, yet critical works commenting on social topics, as Turkey’s representative to the Sixty-First Venice Biennale, set to take place May 9–November 22, 2026.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her eyes were technically blue, but really more gray; other people’s blue eyes seemed to draw commentary, but no one ever remarked on hers.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Reese's latest podcast remarks about her merchandise sales arrive not long after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier dropped a lengthy and bold statement about the WNBA, calling out the leadership and particularly exposing the league's commissioner.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No other products or services will be impacted, the agency said, noting the move is a strategic part of USPS’s 10-year plan to create a revitalized organization.
    Michelle Del Rey, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Similarly, Oxford Economics also noted this week that the current boom has better fundamentals than the dotcom days.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Millions of miles of flying feels like an adequate amount of time to observe travelers struggle with bulky items, search endlessly for a gadget in a tangle of monochromatic accessories, and look longingly at their seatmate who seems to have it all together.
    Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • National Taco Day is observed on the first Tuesday of October, according to National Day Calendar.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An Elanco spokesperson said the company will add public amenities next to the headquarters that neighbors can enjoy, such as a waterfront trail.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Education Department spokeswoman Rachel Starks said the total number of student awards listed in the report is not final.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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