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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However, the song isn’t really a diss track towards Taylor, but rather an introspection song for Charli.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
3 Oct. 2025
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Many observers fast from food and water for 25 hours to facilitate deep introspection.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Beyoncé’s victories have been followed by the Grammys doing some genre soul-searching.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
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When the Eagles were in that cramped, humid locker room during Week 4 a year ago, soul-searching was required.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That spirit manages to survive a patently modern star turn from Mark Wahlberg, whose incapacity for nuance and self-reflection is well-served by a role that has little interest in either.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
30 Sep. 2025
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This album juxtaposes moments of self-reflection with themes of emotional empowerment, chronicling her journey toward healing and the pursuit of new experiences.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
26 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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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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This is coming after a period of rest, contemplation, and confusion about where your life is headed.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
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But as Giannis himself reminded everyone, this personal pattern of extreme offseason contemplation is nothing new.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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