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 Sandler is also an avid sports fan, which is often reflected in his films. —Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025 Lee reflected on his time on And Just Like That… in a positive light. —Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 25 July 2025 Minimize exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be aware: white sand and similar surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure. 11+: Extreme (extreme risk of harm) Try to avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 Both should reflect you—not just your current role. —Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 13 July 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 move would mirror US President Donald Trump’s 30% threat against the EU, hitting about one-third of American exports, based on the almost $400 billion worth of US goods shipped to the bloc last year.
    — Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
  • To sweeten the launch even further, Krispy Kreme is releasing a specialty donut dozen from August 4 to 10 that mirrors the collaboration’s colorways: Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, and Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of mirror
Verb
  • Jackson's attorney, Gregory Long, declined to comment.
    — Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
  • Maguire declined to comment and Blut did not respond to email and phone messages.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of comment
Verb
  • The Briton remarked that a new suspension upgrade had made no difference to the way his car handled.
    — Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Wen: In his opening argument, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary remarked that systemic hormone therapy, when started within 10 years of the onset of menopause, can actually reduce cardiovascular disease.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Definition of remark
Verb
  • Gorgeous George was an effective self-promoter, and his character was a major influence on boxer Muhammad Ali and musician James Brown, as noted in Little Village Magazine.
    — Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • However, the reporter noted that at no point did there ever seem to be cause for serious alarm or did there appear to be any significant concern on the part of the security staff.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of note
Verb
  • Sun Circle in Tucson Tucked alongside the dusty trails of Rillito River Park in Tucson, Sun Circle is a ceremonial structure built for observing the sun's movement.
    — Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
  • Testing in isolated environments allows security teams to observe agent behavior under various conditions, including adversarial scenarios designed to exploit potential weaknesses.
    — Olga Megorskaya, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of observe
Verb
  • Ogwumike said during Thursday’s CBA media availability that the league did pose ideas regarding extending the season.
    — Ben Pickman, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • The consistency of officiating has been a topic players and coaches have been discussing a lot this season, and Engelbert said the league is aware and will evaluate it.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of reflect for Spanish Speakers

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