introspective
adjective
in·tro·spec·tive
ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv 
: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection
As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.
… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.—
David T. Lindsay
David T. LindsayThere's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.—Peter Salovey
Peter Salovey
introspectively
adverb
This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives.
—Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
introspectiveness
noun
Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence.
—Jasmine Tatah
Jasmine Tatah
Examples of introspective in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of them end before David’s verse, which Rayan describes as an unusually introspective account of her life as a superstar.
—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Simón’s new film — introspective, often visually breath-stopping, and lensed with glittering coastal beauty by cinematographer Hélène Louvart — premiered at Cannes 2025 in competition, went on to play at myriad festivals, and is only now opening in the United States from Janus Films.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
24 June 2026
The Friends star was introspective when asked about their love in 2003.
—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
In an industry that too often celebrates materialism and misogyny, Yates’s introspective lyrics and intriguing production style are refreshing reminders of what’s missing in mainstream rap.
—
Kyle Eustice,
SPIN,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for introspective
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Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Simón’s new film — introspective, often visually breath-stopping, and lensed with glittering coastal beauty by cinematographer Hélène Louvart — premiered at Cannes 2025 in competition, went on to play at myriad festivals, and is only now opening in the United States from Janus Films.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
24 June 2026
The Friends star was introspective when asked about their love in 2003.
—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
In an industry that too often celebrates materialism and misogyny, Yates’s introspective lyrics and intriguing production style are refreshing reminders of what’s missing in mainstream rap.
—
Kyle Eustice,
SPIN,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for introspective
Cite this Entry
“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspective. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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