introspective

adjective

in·​tro·​spec·​tive ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv 

: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection

As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.

… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.

—David T. Lindsay

There's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.

—Peter Salovey

introspectively adverb

This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives.

—Bram Stoker

introspectiveness noun

Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence.

—Jasmine Tatah

Examples of introspective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Justin Bieber is feeling introspective. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025

This is one of the fundamental differences between the introspective and insightful tone of the first season of this show and the casual almost messy construction of the current season. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

The album’s concept, exploring themes of healing, mental health and escape, mirrors this Water sign’s deeply introspective and emotionally receptive nature. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Its plain nature is in conversation with the usual opulence of her hats, signaling that this is a deeply introspective moment. —Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for introspective

• ineffective
• intellective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective