as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
many people use the dawning of a new year as an occasion for some quiet self-examination
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Recent Examples of self-examination
The passage of time may increase the anguish of self-examination, but the search for truth is always worth the cost.
—
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
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
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
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
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
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
Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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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
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Is there anything in all that coastal introspection for an inland audience in Denver, Colorado?—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Engage in a bit of soul-searching.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Sep. 2025
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This whole last year has been a year of soul-searching.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In either case, Brianna Sylver’s prescription for self-reflection and self-improvement should go down easily.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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And the opportunities for adventure, solitude, and self-reflection are virtually limitless.—
Corey Buhay,
Outside Online,
10 Sep. 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 a foundational study, it was found that companies professing a strong belief in meritocracy were more likely to reward men over equally performing women because the belief in objectivity ironically reduces self-scrutiny in decisions, giving managers subconscious permission to act on stereotypes.—
Heather Price,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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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
Noun
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After some contemplation, Belly decides that putting her heart on the line (again) for Conrad, who is now en route to Brussels, is worth the risk.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
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The genre invites focus and contemplation, and its structure is balanced with improvisation, which creates a sense of flow and impermanence.—
Anna Haines,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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