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

With each new Burr special of the last few years, this pattern repeats, with a wall of defensive posturing and then a twist into near-tender self-examination. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025

His new album, Stardust, is his first recorded without substances, and trades self-examination for affirmation. —Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

Mother’s turbulent self-examination is incited by the revelation of Sister Agnieszka’s pregnancy in the film’s first Act. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025

This disciplined self-examination is the foundation for refining skills and advancing toward mastery. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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