introspection

play

noun in·tro·spec·tion \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən\

Definition of introspection

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

introspect

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspekt\ verb

introspectional

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

introspective

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv\ adjective

introspectively

adverb

introspectiveness

noun

See introspection defined for English-language learners

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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 of introspection from the Web

What might elicit a bout of deep introspection in one person sometimes serves as encouragement to continue foot-in-the-mouth behavior in another.

— ana veciana-suarez, miamiherald, "The stupid — and vile — things people say on social media", 3 July 2017
There was no need for introspection, apologies, or shame.

— balli kaur jaswal, Cosmopolitan, "How a Full Body Wax Helped Me Feel at Home in a New Country", 22 June 2017
REVIEW The good: The Mustangs enjoyed more successes than failures, but there was cause for a few moments of introspection.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Review & preview: Stevenson men’s lacrosse", 22 June 2017
Unlike the riot of curiosities that is the late architect’s estate, her secluded space (a small building on the edge of the property) is a simplified oasis of calm and introspection.

— allison mcnearney, New York Times, "The Austin Artist Making Covetable Collages", 22 June 2017
For all his introspection, Marcus is not that great at reading people.

— gail godwin, Philly.com, "'Grief Cottage': A haunting tale from Gail Godwin", 16 June 2017
As millionaire Bruce Wayne and his crime-fighting alter-ego Batman, West had a weakness for wordplay, introspection and lovely ladies.

— laurence arnold, Bloomberg.com, "Adam West, Deadpan ‘Batman’ in Camp 1960s TV Series, Dies at 88", 10 June 2017
Athletes don't often admit to such vulnerability and introspection.

— k.c. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Steve Kerr looks back, 20 years later, at title-winning shot that changed his life", 10 June 2017
By the film’s end, Beckey’s gruff demeanor cracks a bit and filmmakers are able to coax introspection.

— evan bush, The Seattle Times, "‘Dirtbag’: Movie chronicles the life of crusty climber Fred Beckey", 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'introspection'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.