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
This 2-1 defeat is a blow and should prove a moment for self-examination for the club’s coaching staff and playing squad.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
In an era where analytics and ever-growing coaching staffs allow teams to self-scout every week, the Patriots seem to have taken a more traditional approach and decided on a makeover after a self-examination last month during their bye.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
Some time spent in self-examination could yield new insights.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
In an era where analytics and ever-growing coaching staffs allow teams to self-scout every week, the Patriots seem to have taken a more traditional approach and decided on a makeover after a self-examination last month during their bye.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
Some time spent in self-examination could yield new insights.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Embarrassment over a vulgar and inept political class seems unlikely to open out into severe introspection among the United States’ intellectual and cultural elites, who are primed to regurgitate the narratives of American exceptionalism.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
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The series achieves more introspection than the average sports documentary, and will feel revelatory to anyone who hasn’t followed the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career in detail.—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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My advice is to do this soul-searching first, then dive into as much relevant data as possible.—
Angelo Chavez,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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While three games hardly make a season, there seems to be some soul-searching needed in Dallas.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Soka Gakkai members gather to study Buddhist principles, like practicing nonviolence and taking social action, and their practice consists of prayers, chanting and self-reflection in nature to achieve spiritual growth.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
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Opportunities for self-reflection abound across the summer calendar.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 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
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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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Those could be be relationships, creative endeavors and the contemplation of big questions about life.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Following several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach in Minnesota's Buddhist community at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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