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 When creating the novel, Akil was inspired by the collective interest in self-examination and the interior self. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Her work demands self-examination and a willingness to rebuild relationships with achievement from internal foundations. — William Jones, USA Today, 11 June 2026 Esalen framed this and similar efforts not just as political education but as deeply transformative experiences requiring self-examination and accountability. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 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
  • That’s why introspection and self-knowledge are at the core of every spiritual and philosophical tradition—the drive not just to know the world but to know ourselves, with each layer of self-knowledge unlocking a deeper one.
    — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 2026
  • Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • The group’s musical soul-searching is what gets most attention in the ReLoad box set.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026
  • Carmy vowed to get the restaurant out of debt before savoring some soul-searching and crafting a new recipe for success.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of soul-searching
Noun
  • Andy Sachs exemplifies an adaptive optimist, challenging norms and fostering open environments through self-reflection and curiosity.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • That friction is an opportunity for self-reflection.
    — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 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
  • 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
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
  • Trish and Dan Bell Chapel The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel will serve as a gathering place for worship, contemplation and spiritual strengthening at FIU.
    — Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Many crude laughs were bolstered by the attached contemplation.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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