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

Examples 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 Paradoxically, this commitment to world peace and universalism reflects IBM’s identity as a distinctly American brand. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024 The charmingly pink exhibition reflects the collection of footwear and separates in the collection: hoodies with long ribbons instead of strings; T-shirts and short socks with frilly details, and caps and beanies with Patou’s brand logo and the Onitsuka Tiger tiger. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 If nothing else, these concerns reflect how dear Universal Genève is to the watch-collecting community. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 In a common method, participants reflect on their own death, while control groups consider less threatening topics, like dental pain. —Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 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 board adopted the curriculum in May 2023 as the primary math resource, meaning classes across the district would mirror Murphy’s approach.
    Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This approach mirrors the assemblage process in Dom Pérignon’s winemaking, says Vincent Chaperon, Dom Pérignon’s chef de cave (head winemaker).
    Rachel King, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • Representatives for Lee, who worked for Dellums in Congress and later succeeded him in office, declined to comment on this story.
    Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Labrador’s office declined to comment, and Little’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
    Aria Bendix, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of comment
Verb
  • There are many different kinds of emotions on display in your husband’s films, but one that viewers today always remark on is joy.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
  • One balanced chunks of concrete in its metal bucket, and a reporter remarked that encampment residents had surely not been the ones to pour that cement.
    Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of remark
Verb
  • The pair did not comment beyond the release but noted an arraignment has been set for noon Monday.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The representatives noted that the owner had full intentions to work with the city to conform to the community’s needs.
    Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of note
Verb
  • In the meantime, Lakeway police will be out there observing driving behavior.
    Glen Koen, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • For example, it’s frequently observed that AI image generators will often have difficulty with adding the correct number of fingers to their drawings of hands, correctly rendering text, and dealing with lighting and shadows.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of observe
Verb
  • In August, the FBI reviewed credit card statements associated with Williams that showed payment at a parking near a Washington metro station, about a 10-minute ride from the Capitol area, that was made on Jan. 6, 2021, the statements of facts says.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The National Retail Federation says that import surcharges could soar to 50% for everything from jeans to couches.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of say

Thesaurus Entries Near reflect

refixing

reflect

reflected

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reflect

Nglish: Translation of reflect for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reflect for Arabic Speakers

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