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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-examination
This 2-1 defeat is a blow and should prove a moment for self-examination for the club’s coaching staff and playing squad.
—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
In an era where analytics and ever-growing coaching staffs allow teams to self-scout every week, the Patriots seem to have taken a more traditional approach and decided on a makeover after a self-examination last month during their bye.
—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
In an era where analytics and ever-growing coaching staffs allow teams to self-scout every week, the Patriots seem to have taken a more traditional approach and decided on a makeover after a self-examination last month during their bye.
—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
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His own family tree was a source of introspection.
Noun
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Denver has been able to maintain that opening-weekend excitement and are just out of the playoff picture, while Boston has some soul-searching to do.
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My advice is to do this soul-searching first, then dive into as much relevant data as possible.
Noun
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But also very enlightening and [a] profound time of self-reflection and fear, processing and meditation.
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Miraval has long encouraged guests to limit or even forego their use of digital devices as a way of enhancing awareness of one’s surroundings and allowing moments for self-reflection and personal growth.
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.
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There are three invitations leaders can offer their direct reports: Play with the technology as a tool for self-observation.
Noun
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That may be too much heightened self-scrutiny.
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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.
Noun
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Its challenges require active engagement, not passive contemplation.
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Sterman, after much contemplation, decided to use natives but didn’t develop a detailed plan.
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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