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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Not because this 2-2 draw at Sunderland provides cause for significant introspection.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Flora remembered his high school experience with a mix of introspection and relief.—
Evan Moore
November 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
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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Real-life scenarios, self-reflection, group discussion, and practical tools.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
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As Mercury enters Capricorn, self-reflection is your priority.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 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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After much contemplation, a solution presented itself.—
Laurie Brookins,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Jan. 2026
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Some of those moms include the terrific performers Cindy Cheung and Liz Wisan, and the play itself promises satire, songs, bouffon, bodily fluids, and, underneath it all, a contemplation of overwhelming joy and ineffable heartache.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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