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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-examination
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
His new album, Stardust, is his first recorded without substances, and trades self-examination for affirmation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
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
His new album, Stardust, is his first recorded without substances, and trades self-examination for affirmation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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At the Fort Worth show, fans can expect a setlist that balances introspection with crowd-pleasing energy, delivered with the Neighbourhood’s signature dark-pop polish.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Mar. 2026
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His off-the-cuff Mount Rushmore of Jeezy hits reads like a blueprint for the residency itself—tracks that span hunger, triumph, introspection, and dominance.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Artificial intelligence powerhouse Anthropic’s battle with the Pentagon has sparked some soul-searching in Silicon Valley that could reshape the tech sector’s complicated relationship with war and the White House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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The move has stirred both controversy and soul-searching among Dallas officials, as well as sparking conversations about the future of the city’s urban core.—
Nick Wooten,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There’s always an excuse—and very little self-reflection—whereas forward-thinkers will approach setbacks by looking inward.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2026
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The former front man of the Smiths revisits familiar territory—his self-reflections, or, rather, complications, surrounding romance, fame, and politics.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
14 Mar. 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
-
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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Both of us have recently moved from denial to contemplation that AI will soon be in a position to replace us.—
J. Xavier Prochaska,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Tiffany approaches her projects with research and contemplation and then follows through with flawless details.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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