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
The passage of time may increase the anguish of self-examination, but the search for truth is always worth the cost.
—
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
Blight argues persuasively that Douglass’s eloquence transformed the speech into an enduring historical marker — a profound moment of national self-examination that reverberates across generations.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025
For me, Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is about periodic self-examination, reflection, and a deep look at life with intention and commitment to live forward with greater meaning.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
Blight argues persuasively that Douglass’s eloquence transformed the speech into an enduring historical marker — a profound moment of national self-examination that reverberates across generations.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025
For me, Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is about periodic self-examination, reflection, and a deep look at life with intention and commitment to live forward with greater meaning.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Barker shows him no mercy for his actions, but leaves the door open to darker introspection.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
6 Sep. 2025
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Full of big, shouty drill sergeants, lovable characters and deep introspection, the series is earnest and refreshing.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The movie follows actor Mike Tyler (Chris Evans), who is attempting a comeback after a personal crisis and subsequent soul-searching.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
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Clooney, 64, plays the titular character, a famous movie star on a soul-searching journey throughout Europe with his manager (played by Sandler, 58).—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As school systems recalibrate how young people relate to their devices, forward-thinking business leaders can mirror this shift by creating environments where deep thinking, self-reflection and regulation, and authentic collaboration are once again the norm.—
Elan Gepner-Dales,
Rolling Stone,
3 Sep. 2025
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First, use assessments like CliftonStrengths or self-reflection to uncover your unique talents.—
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes,
7 Oct. 2024
Noun
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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
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Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.—
Kenneth Lasson,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Bill gravitates towards Tammy (Jane Levy), his daughter-in-law and the only other person in his rambunctious household who values contemplation and repose.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
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In the contemplation stage, individuals consider the need for change and intend to take action within the foreseeable future.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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