Thesaurus results for REFLECT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reflect

verb

ri-ˈflekt

Definition of reflect next

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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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 There's an uncanny, alien quality to her voice, which unfurls like incense smoke, while the track's speckled bongos and subtle chimes glint like light reflected off a cocktail glass. —

EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 The European Union's investigation reflects concerns over potential anti-competitive effects, especially focusing on the broadcasting and streaming sectors. —

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 In real life, Starkey and Dickinson are finding their power, still reflecting on their school-play roots and learning to deal with the anxiety that comes with each new script. —

Selome Hailu, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024 Take a moment to reflect on your overall vision and be open to change. —

Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reflect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect

Verb

Fraser thinks some of it will mirror previous iterations, the way users leveraged Twitter with #MeToo and the Black Lives Matter movements.

Jason Parham, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024
The bizarre incident mirrored one from more than two decades earlier, when a California woman tossed a pie into the face of Enron’s then-CEO Jeffrey Schilling.

David Matthews, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024