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

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

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 The National Wildfire Preparedness Level in the United States is at Level 5, the highest level, reflecting severe wildfire activity and strained resources. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Some of the demographic differences could reflect several cross currents in the economy. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 This reliance on firepower reflects a relatively risk-averse approach to ground combat. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Updating dinnerware reflects evolving trends and helps create a more inviting, contemporary dining experience. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflect

Verb

That 15-count indictment names only Ahmed and largely mirrors the previous allegations.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Thomas Plante, a psychology professor at Santa Clara University, sees this shift mirrored in his clinical practice.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of mirror

Verb

In an unsigned email, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the department could not comment on active investigations but reinforced its commitment to charging and deporting undocumented immigrants who have unlawfully voted.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
While Steinem never directly commented on trad wives, her teachings still resonate, perhaps now more than ever in this increasingly political landscape.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of comment

Verb

Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh indicated last week that the central bank is uncomfortable with the current rate of inflation, remarks investors interpreted to mean the Fed is likely to raise its key interest rate in response.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
The American Idol winner sang the track as it was originally sung in the series, including the Korean lyrics, as many fans remarked on how impressively high Clarkson sang.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of remark

Verb

Andrew Brown, Park Forest’s assistant director of economic development and planning, notes that any applicant had to fall in the 60% income bracket of the six-county area of Chicago.

— Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
In line with that argument, reporting on California’s latest lawsuit underscores how central mail-in ballots have become, noting that more than 89% of voters used mail ballots in the state’s June primary.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of note

Verb

The film seeks to hold that tension through a deeply human perspective, where observing can also become an act of care.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
As Georgina Kleege has observed in her own later-day reckoning, Keller herself would not have been able to find her way around this house, and Godspeed to any other modern-day blind or DeafBlind person who tried.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of observe

Verb

Subramanyam said his calls were monitored between March and May, noting that at the time the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee was pushing for former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
If your dishwasher has an upper third rack for utensils, Sala says to lay knives and cutlery there to avoid safety hazards and free up space in the silverware caddy.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of say

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refixing

reflect

reflected

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Style

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflect. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of reflect

verb

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