self-examination

noun

ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-examination (audio)
Definition of self-examinationnext
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

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.
Recent Examples of self-examination Her work demands self-examination and a willingness to rebuild relationships with achievement from internal foundations. — William Jones, USA Today, 11 June 2026 His early, anonymous SoundCloud drops were hushed and hesitant, a shroud of tape hiss and white noise between himself and true self-examination. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026 This level of self-awareness and self-examination is really wonderful. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Macy’s was notorious in its industry for how siloed its teams and culture were, characteristics that impeded prior turnaround efforts until Spring, CEO since 2024, instilled a culture of self-examination and an ability to admit mistakes before quickly moving on. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-examination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination
  1. introspection
  2. soul-searching
  3. self-reflection
  4. self-observation
  5. self-scrutiny
  6. contemplation
Noun
  • While tech billionaires such as Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen may see empathy and introspection as weaknesses, those traits are the beating heart of literature and art, the wellspring of creativity and human connection.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of the 2022 season, Pryor tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during preseason camp, beginning a year of introspection, discovery and, at times, distraction from the sport that had shaped his identity.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • There was a lot of soul-searching on my part for all of the right songs.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • So ensues a period of delirious soul-searching, given tremendous gravitas by Bakhtadze.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of soul-searching
Noun
  • Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-reflection
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
  • Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Definition of self-observation
Noun
  • And the strategies our minds reach for in moments of doubt—retreat, control, relentless self-scrutiny—can work powerfully against us at the moments that matter most.
    — Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • People committed to covenant cannot lose the capacity for moral self-scrutiny.
    — Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Definition of self-scrutiny
Noun
  • Sister Mary Grace, 76, loves the opportunity for contemplation and the chance to express it artistically.
    — Kelly Wilkinson, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, Serrano’s image is, to me, comparable to an icon, worthy of sincere contemplation.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplation

Browse Nearby Words

self-evidently
self-examination
self-examinations
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Cite this Entry

“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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