self-contemplation

noun

ˌself-ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən How to pronounce self-contemplation (audio)
Definition of self-contemplationnext
as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings she doesn't seem to see the difference between a reasonable amount of self-contemplation and total self-absorption

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-contemplation After the eclipse wraps, the Sun doubles down on the compulsion toward self-contemplation in partnership with Lilith. — Jennifer Culp, Them, 27 Sep. 2024 Missing from the fair but important nonetheless is Hsiao Chin, the first and only post-war Chinese artist to convey Eastern philosophical ideas and the concepts of mindfulness and self-contemplation in the Western pictorial language of abstraction. — Florence Tsai, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-contemplation
  1. introspection
  2. contemplation
  3. self-observation
  4. self-reflection
  5. self-examination
  6. soul-searching
Noun
  • Now, after over a century of studying introspection in humans and animals, researchers are beginning to explore the phenomenon in unlikely new subjects — large language models.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On the other, Anthropic has argued that its AI model, Claude, has shown signs of introspection, internal states that mirror joy or satisfaction, and processing information similar to the human mind.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • The art was selected as counterpoint to the essays, another means to draw the reader into reflection and contemplation.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Some walked hundreds of kilometers to establish places of worship far from the comforts of the world, spending years in prayer and contemplation before eventually being buried here.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of contemplation
Noun
  • The purpose of this exercise is not to match your paradigm perfectly but to give you a thematic lens for self-observation.
    — Liz Tran, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Definition of self-observation
Noun
  • After scoring 43 points on 17-of-25 shooting in last week’s win over Golden State, Booker was asked whether that self-reflection drove his performance.
    — Doug Haller, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-reflection
Noun
  • This week, for example, France began a national self-examination after youthful protests led to looting and destruction.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Pausing to look means being willing to see what is not working, and such honest self-examination is uncomfortable in a way most of us don’t seek out voluntarily.
    — Bill Koch, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of self-examination
Noun
  • Mercury followed suit later that month, aiding Venus’ soul-searching with its thorough detective work.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Crowley won the primary by a half percentage point — roughly 3,800 votes — illustrating Democrats’ soul-searching in the Upper Midwestern swing state.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of soul-searching

Browse Nearby Words

self-containment
self-contemplation
self-contemplations
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Cite this Entry

“Self-contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-contemplation. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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