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 They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.—Peter Salovey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
His struggles with alcohol, grief and finding placement for the introspective tracks that would form Empty Glass all reflected this.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Inspired by an immersion into New York City nightlife, the English songwriter embraces the sounds of dance music on a set of studied, introspective pop songs.
—Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
From his crisp, commanding vocals to his easy, magnetic charm, Morrison moved seamlessly through Darin’s catalog, balancing showmanship with quieter, more introspective moments that revealed the man behind the music.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Quiet, introspective moments coexist with more expansive, communal gestures, creating a layered emotional landscape.
—Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for introspective
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Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Inspired by an immersion into New York City nightlife, the English songwriter embraces the sounds of dance music on a set of studied, introspective pop songs.
—Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
From his crisp, commanding vocals to his easy, magnetic charm, Morrison moved seamlessly through Darin’s catalog, balancing showmanship with quieter, more introspective moments that revealed the man behind the music.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Quiet, introspective moments coexist with more expansive, communal gestures, creating a layered emotional landscape.
—Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 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 6 Apr. 2026.
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