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 Now, the hard data (tried-and-true economic metrics that are lagged for good reason) is starting to reflect some of the disarray. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 This month’s first quarter moon is encouraging you to take a step back to reflect and recharge. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025 What is beautiful about Aruba is its cultural diversity, as the island’s population is a mix of European, Latin, and Afro-Caribbean heritage, which is reflected throughout the island in its language, music, cuisine, and art. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 May 2025 The longer the trade war persists, the greater is the risk that a recession could unfold at some point, which is not yet reflected in stock prices. —Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • The policy mirrors initiatives from the first Trump administration that were blocked in court.
    — Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Most states will mirror the federal tax treatment of student loan forgiveness, but not all.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, declined to comment when reached by CNN.
    — Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • The company declined to comment on those estimates.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of comment
Verb
  • Andy Taft remarked on the transformative effect the F3 tornado that tore through the city 25 years ago had on the area’s development.
    — Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Hanlon also remarked about Trump’s comments on social media.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of remark
Verb
  • The number could be even higher − the database notes that several universities did not indicate the amount of visas that had been revoked.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Several tasters noted that this cake had an authentic, buttery taste.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Definition of note
Verb
  • As Kiew has observed, there has also been a shift in hiring priorities.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In 1908, the first formal Mother’s Day celebrations were observed on the second Sunday in May—the anniversary of Jarvis’ mothers death—in Grafton, West Virginia and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 2 May 2025
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Both reports noted billing patterns indicative of potential fraud among hundreds of providers, the OIG said.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
  • In Texas, the problem is exacerbated by pumping of oil and gas, the study says.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Definition of say

Browse Nearby Words

refixing
reflect
reflected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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