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 They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.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

This type of introspective mindset builds an authentic personal brand that reflects a leader's strengths and inspires trust within your networks. —Jacqueleen Clark-Crittle, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

There are certainly elements of Bridges’ soul and Crockett’s storytelling to White’s music, but his heavy Texas accent and introspective lyrics combine to give him his own distinct sound. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025

With melancholy and playfulness both, Seed threads in her own introspective voice-over and contemporary footage (poring over material, visiting her dad, sparring with a boyfriend). —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

Moody yet melodic, darkwave adds an introspective depth to the soundtrack with pulsing basslines, vintage synths, and haunting vocals. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 June 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