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

• 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

But the varied syncopation and intense emotional registers of Orthodox worship music informed his approach to an album that balances weighty introspection with buoyant production and evocative imagery. —Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025

Part comedy show, part profound introspection into the furthest depths of grief and loss, Kayne’s Sorry for Your Loss premieres March 27, 2026. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025

Six-year-old Misha’s playful hunt for a phantom spy unfolds against the quiet unease of Soviet adulthood, blending innocence with historical introspection. —Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

Not everything requires deep introspection, though. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 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