reflect

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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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 Elsewhere in the interview, The Way Home star reflected on Groundhog Day, recalling an instance on the set of the 1993 temporal-warping comedy in which co-star Bill Murray randomly drove off during filming with her in the car. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025 Disco balls reflected light from the yellow neon display where Questlove performed for the entire event. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 25 Jan. 2025 Be sure to make achievable goals that also reflect your needs and desires. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Jan. 2025 However, hybrid roles such as CISO/CIO or Chief Risk Officer command higher pay, reflecting the strategic value of these positions. Tony Bradley, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reflect 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • In this sense, Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, which revokes Executive Order 11246 (federal affirmative action with a focus on preferences rather than non-discrimination), mirrors the civil rights battles fought in California.
    Wenyuan Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Environment and energy policy Trump’s early actions on environmental regulation and energy policy also mirror recommendations from Project 2025, particularly the blueprint's stance against climate change initiatives that some Republicans believe are unreasonably burdensome to American businesses.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Even Jackson commented on the situation with emotion.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The lack of talking heads commenting on her enhances the intimate feel.
    Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Energy price decontrol is the other thrust of Carter’s energy policies that is not much remarked on and also misunderstood.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Trump ended up giving multiple speeches throughout the day, first a traditional address immediately after he was sworn in, then remarks at Emancipation Hall, and finally addressing supporters at the arena.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.
    Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Maher, who expressed support for Gaetz's denial, noted that if there had been evidence, the Justice Department would have acted.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed Jan. 27, brings the weight of history, the horror of genocide, and a profound reckoning with the worst of human nature.
    Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Buyers have observed Cox showing their houses to prospective buyers on multiple occasions.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has said there is a national emergency at the southern border, which was a central part of his campaign message, and is implementing several executive orders related to immigration and border security on his first day in office.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Their consultations and fittings are often quick and to the point, due largely to Trump’s certitude from years in fashion, Pierre has said.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reflect

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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