introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspect verb
introspectional adjective

Examples of introspection in a Sentence

a moment of quiet introspection not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Girl Violence, the result of that introspection, announces Strauss’ new chapter with songs that bloom and twist around themselves, echoing the fear and delight and increasing clear-eyedness that came along with each fresh experience. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025 With a mix of humor and introspection, Turturro’s speech reflected on his experiences taking care of his late brother with mental challenges and physical illness. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 When consumed, the body breaks down the compound into psilocin, an alkaloid that can cause startling visual hallucinations and psychological effects, often including intense introspection. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025 Is there anything in all that coastal introspection for an inland audience in Denver, Colorado? Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for introspection

Word History

Etymology

Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introspection was circa 1677

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Introspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspection. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings
introspective adjective
introspectively adverb

Medical Definition

introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion -ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspectional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on introspection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!