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

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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 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