SELF-EXAMINATION Synonyms: 31 Similar Words

self-examination

noun

ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of self-examination

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 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 Esalen framed this and similar efforts not just as political education but as deeply transformative experiences requiring self-examination and accountability. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-examination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination

Noun

Dupuis’ introspection is always tethered to a greater sense of community.

— Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026
Parts of the novel, especially those evoking Michel’s introspection, have a Jamesian density of psychological nuance.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

But defeat left Koeman looking powerless and the Netherlands in need of new energy and new ideas as thoughts turn to the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign and an increasingly familiar period of soul-searching for Dutch football.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 June 2026
The group’s musical soul-searching is what gets most attention in the ReLoad box set.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026

Definition of soul-searching

Noun

McKinney emphasizes that true global leadership requires understanding how culture shapes decisions, self-reflection, and actively leveraging differences as a strategic asset.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Just as the young woman is set to return to her hometown following the end of her postgraduate studies, a girl’s body is discovered there, unravelling painful memories of past trauma and sending Sofia through a pained process of self-reflection.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 July 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
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

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

Trish and Dan Bell Chapel The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel will serve as a gathering place for worship, contemplation and spiritual strengthening at FIU.

— Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Many crude laughs were bolstered by the attached contemplation.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 June 2026

Definition of contemplation

Browse Nearby Words

self-evidently

self-examination

self-examinations

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“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-examination

noun

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