INTROSPECTIVE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

introspective

adjective

Definition of introspective

as in contemplative

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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 introspective Focusing on something introspective, like your breath, your heartbeat or a growing and shrinking dot, can induce an almost hypnotic state that clears the mind. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 Those garlands of noise suggest that this show will be geared more toward communal arena rock than introspective bedroom pop. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 About four years after sharing her last full-length album, Dirt Femme, her first since marrying husband Charlie Twaddle in 2020, the Swedish pop star, 38, is back with an introspective new body of work, Estrus, out now. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026 And so the writing process is very introspective and very personal. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for introspective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for introspective

Adjective

Hans Op de Beeck’s first dalliance with a luxury house feels a lot like his art — hushed, contemplative, and slightly under the radar.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplative

Adjective

Baitz’s story is set in Palm Springs, in December, 2004, at the home of Polly and Lyman Wyeth, an opulent sandstone aerie with meditative views of the desert, a massive Christmas tree, and portraits of eminences like Barry Goldwater.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Zaitova fell in love with the meditative process of creating mosaics using natural stone, smalt, and glass tile.

— Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of meditative

Adjective

Now titled Crosscut Asia+, the section will screen three recent festival hits, Four Seasons In Java, Filipiñana and Becoming Human, along with a selection of retrospective titles.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
The study was retrospective and observational, meaning researchers examined how outcomes differed among participants over time.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of retrospective

Adjective

Community members' opposition to data center development in Memphis is reflective of the broader attitude across America in recent months.

— Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams resident, appeared in court wearing a reflective vest with the name of a landscaping company, blue jeans and boots with the American flag on them.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reflective

Adjective

Making Kansas City a destination Williams describes her comedy as self-reflective, drawing from her own experiences to tell stories audiences can connect with.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
The result is a self-reflective collection of empowering pop anthems and wistful ballads that detail not only the dissolution of a relationship but a return to oneself.

— Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-reflective

Adjective

Set on the eve of the Korean war, this ruminative story follows a midwestern family that’s fractured by a mother’s sudden disappearance.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026
But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.

— Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

Definition of ruminative

Adjective

Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Browse Nearby Words

introspections

introspective

introversion

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“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/introspective. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of introspective

adjective

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