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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-examination
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.
—
Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
With each new Burr special of the last few years, this pattern repeats, with a wall of defensive posturing and then a twist into near-tender self-examination.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
His new album, Stardust, is his first recorded without substances, and trades self-examination for affirmation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
With each new Burr special of the last few years, this pattern repeats, with a wall of defensive posturing and then a twist into near-tender self-examination.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
His new album, Stardust, is his first recorded without substances, and trades self-examination for affirmation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
Noun
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Her poetry offers a rare collection of literary introspection from within Miami-Dade County government, where Tallman works as chief of staff to a top deputy of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.—
Douglas Hanks
April 1,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The latest failure, following a penalty-shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina, has sparked another bout of introspection for the national sport.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But thankfully, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are spared any such soul-searching.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Artificial intelligence powerhouse Anthropic’s battle with the Pentagon has sparked some soul-searching in Silicon Valley that could reshape the tech sector’s complicated relationship with war and the White House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Season 2 has been one of introspection through loss and self-reflection that has helped both McKay and Dourif grow steadily alongside one another.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
-
There’s always an excuse—and very little self-reflection—whereas forward-thinkers will approach setbacks by looking inward.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The purpose of this exercise is not to match your paradigm perfectly but to give you a thematic lens for self-observation.—
Liz Tran,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
-
That may be too much heightened self-scrutiny.—
Bryan Price,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
-
The North Carolina folk-rock band’s quiet and rambling third album exists in a cloud of dreamy contemplation.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
-
July 23 – August 22 Money choices benefit from thoughtful contemplation.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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