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
  • Ahead of the 2022 season, Pryor tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during preseason camp, beginning a year of introspection, discovery and, at times, distraction from the sport that had shaped his identity.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nothing about the character suggests introspection of any type.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • There was a lot of soul-searching on my part for all of the right songs.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • So ensues a period of delirious soul-searching, given tremendous gravitas by Bakhtadze.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of soul-searching
Noun
  • Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 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
  • Indeed, Serrano’s image is, to me, comparable to an icon, worthy of sincere contemplation.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The process of filming and editing became one of observation, contemplation and confrontation.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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