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
Some time spent in self-examination could yield new insights.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Every Male Actor Gets A Role WWII movies are a hard genre to stand out in, but Malick succeeds through introspection, inspired by the novel’s study of character amidst brutal chaos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Apr. 2026
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The Opera Gallery says the gouache reflects a moment of introspection and concentrated studio work for the artist.—
Jake McGowan,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Barnes met Imam in a moment of soul-searching.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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But thankfully, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are spared any such soul-searching.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These include psychotherapy that is inspired by the Quran, the teachings of the prophet and spiritual practices such as self-reflection, prayer and mindfulness.—
Anisah Bagasra,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
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No one knows everything when getting into a relationship, but self-reflection and awareness have been beneficial.—
Christina Frazier,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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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The North Carolina folk-rock band’s quiet and rambling third album exists in a cloud of dreamy contemplation.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
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July 23 – August 22 Money choices benefit from thoughtful contemplation.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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