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

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introspect

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspekt\ verb

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introspectional

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

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introspective

play \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv\ adjective

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introspectively

adverb

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introspectiveness

noun

See introspection defined for English-language learners

See introspection defined for kids

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

But no, this is a song of introspection worthy of Dylan, Baez or maybe even Freud:

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Green Day delivers the show of the year at Blossom (concert review, photos)," 22 Aug. 2017
Linkin Park does echo some of the better elements of modern rap-metal, namely the syncopated menace of Disturbed and the intense introspection of Papa Roach.

— joe lynch, Billboard, "Linkin Park's Landmark 'Hybrid Theory': Looking Back on the (Not So Nice) Reviews It Got In 2000," 20 July 2017
This humble introspection may help explain why German Chancellor Angela Merkel was so successful at the Group of 20 summit on July 7-8 in winning support from most of the world’s wealthiest nations for a major boost in private investment for Africa.

— sara miller llana, The Christian Science Monitor, "How Germany forced a rethink of Africa," 12 July 2017
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

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.