as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
so consumed with self-questioning that he was virtually paralyzed by self-doubt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in self-reflective
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-questioning
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy.
—Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
And yet, in the scene on the Hill of Love, Lapid offers no self-questioning, no sense of cinematic exertion or trouble, in the fictional framing of the real agonies of Gaza.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy.
—Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-questioning
- introspection
- self-reflective
- soul-searching
- diffident
- self-reflection
- self-flagellating
- self-examination
- self-observation
Noun
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Over time, kids who develop strong people skills also tend to become more flexible, adaptable, and self-reflective.—
Kelsey Mora,
CNBC,
24 May 2026
-
Gray crafts a nuanced look at the chain of intergenerational expectations, at turns damning and self-reflective about how cultural self-preservation can conflict with the American justice system.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
Adjective
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To strangers, Kay seemed demure, diffident, even shy, an impression her youthful appearance helped create.—
Charlotte Brooks,
Big Think,
13 Mar. 2026
-
This small, diffident moment is one more reason to mourn his death.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
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
Adjective
-
At times, Carol’s admirable rebelliousness seems to come at the cost of self-flagellating destruction, a badge of honor to be miserable.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-questioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-questioning. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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