self-examination

noun

ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-examination (audio)
Definition of self-examinationnext
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

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-examination Her work demands self-examination and a willingness to rebuild relationships with achievement from internal foundations. — William Jones, USA Today, 11 June 2026 His early, anonymous SoundCloud drops were hushed and hesitant, a shroud of tape hiss and white noise between himself and true self-examination. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026 This level of self-awareness and self-examination is really wonderful. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Macy’s was notorious in its industry for how siloed its teams and culture were, characteristics that impeded prior turnaround efforts until Spring, CEO since 2024, instilled a culture of self-examination and an ability to admit mistakes before quickly moving on. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
  1. introspection
  2. soul-searching
  3. self-reflection
  4. self-observation
  5. self-scrutiny
  6. contemplation
Noun
  • Leaders with curiosity who ask deeper questions, seek new perspectives and pause for introspection will be in great demand.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Then came Lyrics for Sanity and The Sunrise Project, on which Songer reached new levels of poetic introspection.
    — Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • While resilience was the catchphrase of the first quarter among bank CEOs, the latest blowout quarter may be prompting a bit of soul-searching.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • But defeat left Koeman looking powerless and the Netherlands in need of new energy and new ideas as thoughts turn to the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign and an increasingly familiar period of soul-searching for Dutch football.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of soul-searching
Noun
  • Organizational self-reflection will always lead to progress when paired with a willingness to improve.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Parents don’t need to feel guilty if their teens aren’t constantly busy—unstructured time can foster self-reflection and relaxation.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 16 July 2026
Definition of self-reflection
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
  • And the strategies our minds reach for in moments of doubt—retreat, control, relentless self-scrutiny—can work powerfully against us at the moments that matter most.
    — Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • People committed to covenant cannot lose the capacity for moral self-scrutiny.
    — Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Definition of self-scrutiny
Noun
  • The gallery, which connects the Apollo Rotunda and the Salon Carré, will serve as a space for strolling and contemplation within the museum, according to the release.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • May talked about her gender but also what sounded like contemplations of self-harm.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
Definition of contemplation

Browse Nearby Words

self-evidently
self-examination
self-examinations
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Cite this Entry

“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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