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 The seats of honor reflect the friendly position the three richest men in the world have taken toward the second Trump administration. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025 Interest income from loans decreased to $18.5 million from $35.1 million, reflecting a reduction in loan receivable balances. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2025 But the very fact that this will be the first time Tyrer’s cause has been heard by the full committee in 43 years reflects how much more intricate his candidacy is than what the rules of order can mandate. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 Executives should avoid controversial or overly personal posts while ensuring that their online interactions reflect their company’s values and mission. Chad Angle, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reflect 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect
Verb
  • And this fall, ESPN is launching another standalone streaming service, with the internal project name of Flagship, that will mirror its cable channels.
    Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Which makes the fact Bedard’s first 109 games so closely mirror Kane’s all the more impressive.
    Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Several friends and fans commented on Piper's post in support of her latest journey, including model Tanya Bardsley, actress Amy Jackson and journalist Ranvir Singh.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Lowden commented that Carter was a man of faith, courage, and conviction.
    Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Coach Greg Cronin had remarked that the Ducks’ duo of Frank Vatrano and Ryan Strome had not looked the same sans Terry, and after a game to get his feet under him, the Ducks might need a repeat performance to again get past a formidable foe.
    Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Therefore, remarks from Goldman management about the appetite for IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and other kinds of dealmaking are key during the conference call.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Police in a statement noted the teen’s name will be released when the case is transferred to adult court, which is expected to happen Wednesday.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • LeBlanc noted that a national monument designation gives sacred landscapes greater protections.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Being so deeply embedded in innovation and business communities means business educators are often the first to observe how most consequential new technologies and processes are being implemented, and proactively work with trailblazers to drive forward such innovation.
    Alliance Manchester Business School, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning a visit to California to observe the damage from the wildfires, which have burned down thousands of homes.
    Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know Authorities on Wednesday said 70,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Los Angeles area as wildfires burn through the region, and at least 28,000 structures are threatened.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Through the first 10 months of 2024, the city’s hotels posted average daily rates of about $205, with a 75% occupancy rate — but January, industry veterans say, is usually one of the year’s slowest months.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reflect

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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