introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspect

ˌin-trə-ˈspekt 

verb

introspectional

ˌin-trə-ˈspek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms of introspection

• soul-searching
• self-reflection
• self-examination
• contemplation
• self-observation
• self-scrutiny
• self-questioning

Examples of introspection in a Sentence

a moment of quiet introspection

not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship

Recent Examples on the Web

In their revelatory attitudes and language, the spiralists appear to be ceding all manner of self-expression and introspection to their chatbots. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

Not because this 2-2 draw at Sunderland provides cause for significant introspection. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

Flora remembered his high school experience with a mix of introspection and relief. —Evan Moore november 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

There’s a lot of introspection in legacy media about how to make the numbers stack up as the world of entertainment changes. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for introspection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection

Kids Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings

introspective

-ˈspek-tiv 

adjective

introspectively adverb

Medical Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion -ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspectional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective