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

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

That kind of deep self-examination requires patience, courage, and more often than not, discomfort. —Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Apr. 2025

Warhol is a brisk dip in self-deprecating self-examination. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025

After a disappointing debut season with the New York Yankees and an inconsistent Year 2, Rodón undertook a thorough self-examination of his status as a starting pitcher. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

The moon’s connection to Saturn offers a beautiful opportunity for self-examination and healing. —USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 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