reflect

verb

ri-ˈflekt How to pronounce reflect (audio)
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

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2
as in to comment
to make a statement of one's opinion reflected on the huge influence that the electronic media have on our national elections

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 American flags will be lowered across the country to fly at half-staff to reflect the solemnity of Memorial Day on Monday morning. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 Just past the halfway mark at the final of his three homecoming shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Kendrick Lamar took a beat to reflect on the sizzling energy in the room. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 25 May 2025 There are it looks like students coming to reflect this morning. —/ Cbs News, CBS News, 25 May 2025 Models never reflect reality perfectly, but seeing such a high risk from a simulation that used relatively conservative estimates is worrisome, Carlton said. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
  1. mirror
  2. comment
  3. remark
  4. note
  5. observe
  6. say
Verb
  • Built around 1913, the Shields House has a twin structure next door that mirrors its architecture.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025
  • Why Book: Understated luxury that mirrors the Sardinian landscape Where: Overlooking Piccolo and Grande Pevero bays, just outside Porto Cervo CPH | Pevero Hotel blends into its surroundings in all the right ways.
    — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • The city of Fort Worth declined to comment on the developers’ legal actions.
    — Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • Ben Pagani, a spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools, declined to comment on the pending investigation.
    — Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of comment
Verb
  • Their act impressed viewers and the judges alike, with Cowell remarking that Rhythm danced better than many human performers on the show.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • Yarbrough recently remarked that he’s enjoyed being a starter again.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Definition of remark
Verb
  • In his post announcing Derringer's death, Wilson noted that arrangements for a memorial service for Derringer will be announced at a later date out of respect to his family and loved ones.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • Brondello noted that the Liberty allowed too many open threes to start the third and didn’t finish defensive possessions strongly on shot attempts.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Definition of note
Verb
  • It's observed on the last Monday of May and is a time for reflection and remembrance.
    — Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post, 26 May 2025
  • This has been observed across various settings, from judges giving less favorable rulings later in the day to professionals like nurses and air traffic controllers showing reduced cognitive sharpness when mentally depleted.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Another victim was also found dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
  • With basketball continuing to expand globally—and with young players—Lee says that upcoming athletes gaining more notoriety could be the future of sports branding.
    — Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of say

Browse Nearby Words

refixing
reflect
reflected
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Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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