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 of self-examination

• 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

Yom Kippur, which is coming on Monday, is the most solemn time on the Jewish calendar, is a day of introspection, self-examination, self-evaluation, and self-reflection. — Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

What came of this self-examination were over sixty videos made in high-definition 3D, produced in weekly sessions over the course of more than a year, beginning in February 2025. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Fundamental Questions To Ask CEOs and the board chair should think of the annual review as a self-examination into what is working well today and what can be improved for tomorrow. — James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Prior to the age of 40, your annual OB-GYN exam and regular self-examination is the baseline for screening for anything suspicious; after the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended for additional imaging. — Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

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