self-reflective

adjective

Definition of self-reflectivenext
as in introspective

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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-reflective These are Grace’s own watercolor paintings, self-reflective and complex, much like her latest EP, Heavy Hair. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026 Young adults in the early earbuds age used her songs as fuel for runs, laptop work, Tinder hookups, and the solitary, self-reflective mornings after. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026 Someone with lower self-reflective awareness might quickly decide who is at fault and move on. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Mar. 2026 Key to this is learning how to be self-reflective and honest with yourself. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reflective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reflective
  1. introspective
  2. reflective
  3. retrospective
  4. contemplative
  5. pensive
  6. meditative
  7. thoughtful
Adjective
  • The music was imbued with grace and dignity in both its most introspective and uplifting moments.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • One is fluorescent, maximalist, and celebratory; the other is somber, introspective, and stripped back.
    — Thalía Henao, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspective
Adjective
  • The collector uses reflective elements to direct sunlight toward an absorber panel, where the energy is trapped and transferred to a medium such as air or water.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The first feels rooted in youth, summer, romance and memory; after the switch, the music becomes more reflective, solitary and unsettled.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • Join Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-creator Dan Goor and cast members for an exclusive retrospective celebrating the beloved NBC comedy.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Wolff believes this gives the agency more immediate visibility into client performance, rather than relying solely on retrospective reporting.
    — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of retrospective
Adjective
  • Pilgrims walk between temples, rest in historic ryokan and keep to contemplative daily rituals that discourage mass, high-speed tourism.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The pacing feels off throughout much of the film, with comic and contemplative asides gumming up the central caper.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplative
Adjective
  • Her face, indisputably middle-aged, had a pensive, startled quality.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Or the pensive Thomas Jefferson standing in the dome across the way?
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of pensive
Adjective
  • Watch On Despite containing a plot summary in its title and a tepid reception when it was released, director Andrew Dominik’s meditative film manages to be both suspenseful and insightful.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Festival regular Diaz was in Cannes last year with Magalhães (Magellan), starring Gael García Bernal, another meditative historical reimagining about colonial legacy and human endurance.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of meditative
Adjective
  • Founded in 2009, the group has bloomed into a small empire—we’re talking nearly 70 of the South’s favorite restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes, plus another dozen or so in development—with thoughtful intention.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This means clear standards, thoughtful planning and investment in new energy generation and transmission.
    — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoughtful

Browse Nearby Words

self-reflections
self-reflective
self-regard
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Cite this Entry

“Self-reflective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reflective. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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