as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
many people use the dawning of a new year as an occasion for some quiet self-examination
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Recent Examples of self-examination
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
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
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 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
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Part comedy show, part profound introspection into the furthest depths of grief and loss, Kayne’s Sorry for Your Loss premieres March 27, 2026.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
17 Oct. 2025
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Six-year-old Misha’s playful hunt for a phantom spy unfolds against the quiet unease of Soviet adulthood, blending innocence with historical introspection.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The embarrassment led to soul-searching, both for him and his team.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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What Happens Next There would seem to be little hope for a more civil political discourse, despite the soul-searching and appeals on both sides, especially in the run-up to next year’s midterms.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The book’s journey through the brain ends at the frontal pole, a region involved in self-reflection — thinking about thinking.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
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Awareness activities encourage self-reflection and can include activities like a body scan, breathing exercises, or journaling.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There are three invitations leaders can offer their direct reports: Play with the technology as a tool for self-observation.—
Michael Hudson,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes,
7 Oct. 2024
Noun
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That may be too much heightened self-scrutiny.—
Bryan Price,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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In a foundational study, it was found that companies professing a strong belief in meritocracy were more likely to reward men over equally performing women because the belief in objectivity ironically reduces self-scrutiny in decisions, giving managers subconscious permission to act on stereotypes.—
Heather Price,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Also, of course, I am handicapped by knowing that this couldn’t be printed in the foreseeable future, and by the fact that contemplation of this material has become painful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
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The exhibitions, abstract by design, are an invitation to contemplation.—
Diana Hubbell,
Saveur,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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