as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
not one for self-scrutiny, the president was known for never looking back or second-guessing himself
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of self-scrutiny
Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.
—
Kenneth Lasson, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2025
Above all, Raisman is working on breaking free from a vicious cycle of self-scrutiny.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024
Since my teens, a tendency to spiral into a tornado of self-scrutiny and expecting the absolute worst to happen have been toxic friends of mine.
—Emma Firth, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
Kenneth Lasson, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2025
Above all, Raisman is working on breaking free from a vicious cycle of self-scrutiny.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024
Since my teens, a tendency to spiral into a tornado of self-scrutiny and expecting the absolute worst to happen have been toxic friends of mine.
—Emma Firth, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-scrutiny
- introspection
- self-examination
- soul-searching
- self-reflection
- self-observation
- contemplation
- self-searching
Noun
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Navigating the Shift Towards Conscious Leadership Go on the journey of introspection to build deep levels of self-awareness and accountability.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Whatever its shortcomings, The Old Guard 2 is a better-than-average original streaming feature — well acted by a highly capable cast, peppered with enough action to satisfy most appetites, and underscored with a melancholy vein of introspection about the conflicted roles of superheroes.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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The transition of the Macy’s property comes during an era of broader soul-searching for Sacramento’s downtown.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
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Insiders at Blumhouse tell The Hollywood Reporter that the soul-searching within the company has already commenced.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2025
Noun
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July will be a whirlwind of change and self-reflection for you, Aries.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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The film follows Li, a screenwriter played by Shim, who embarks on a journey of self-reflection following a chance meeting with Benzo.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
8 July 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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In its own way, the film is also a contemplation of recollections, memory and post-Yugoslav reality.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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These works demand contemplation, offering not just spectacle but urgent commentary.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
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But such athletic excess is part of what makes this album admirable, as is a sense of spiritual and intellectual hunger that’ll be quickly recognizable to anyone familiar with the Ziggy Stardust/Zen Arcade/Tommy school of self-searching rock epic.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
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One of many things the culture lost with Lennon’s death was his rare example as a burgeoning and often self-searching male feminist, serving as a role model for men looking to take account of their behavior.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-scrutiny. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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