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
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
Mother’s turbulent self-examination is incited by the revelation of Sister Agnieszka’s pregnancy in the film’s first Act.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
This disciplined self-examination is the foundation for refining skills and advancing toward mastery.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Mother’s turbulent self-examination is incited by the revelation of Sister Agnieszka’s pregnancy in the film’s first Act.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
This disciplined self-examination is the foundation for refining skills and advancing toward mastery.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Niazi appears uninterested in asserting her voice on the page, a lack of literary care that seems connected to her tendency—odd in a memoir—to nudge away from introspection.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
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The effect demands a more active degree of introspection than the average documentary, and Marczak’s unwavering commitment to that endurance test approach has a powerful way of messing with viewer expectations.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But there has also been sadness and soul-searching about the place the community has in a neighborhood well known for its Jewish roots, and in Australia’s wider society.—
Katie Silver,
NBC news,
25 Dec. 2025
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Moore has some soul-searching to do in the offseason, which has already begun for all intents and purposes.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
30 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This is why assessments that encourage self-reflection can be useful — not as diagnoses, but as mirrors.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Some writers with Murphy’s body of work, then, would see a show like The Beauty as an opportunity for self-reflection and self-critique, but this has never been the thing that Ryan Murphy does best.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Jan. 2026
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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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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For your contemplation, consider the following charts.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
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The beginning of the year is often the time for contemplation and action.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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