self-examination

noun

self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a reflective examination (as of one's beliefs or motives) : introspection

2

: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

Synonyms

• introspection
• soul-searching
• self-reflection
• self-observation
• self-scrutiny
• contemplation

Examples of self-examination in a Sentence

many people use the dawning of a new year as an occasion for some quiet self-examination

Recent Examples on the Web

The passage of time may increase the anguish of self-examination, but the search for truth is always worth the cost. —Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025

This also requires you to do some self-examination. —Harmon Kong, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

Blight argues persuasively that Douglass’s eloquence transformed the speech into an enduring historical marker — a profound moment of national self-examination that reverberates across generations. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

For me, Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is about periodic self-examination, reflection, and a deep look at life with intention and commitment to live forward with greater meaning. —Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-examination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Medical Definition

self-examination

noun

self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion -ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

variants or self-exam

-ig-ˈzam 

: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

regular self-examination for early detection of breast cancer