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

The act of introspection to realize a physical object stemmed from the development of Narici’s own wedding bands, which included stylized symbolic glyphs that evoked hieroglyphics. —Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

There isn’t a hint of deep introspection about professional failures or missteps — just a wry amusement that in a multi-decade career, mistakes will be made. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

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

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