self-consciousness

noun

Definition of self-consciousnessnext
as in self-awareness

Related Words

Relevance

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-consciousness One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its characters’ profound self-consciousness about the place of the gangster in American culture. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Ordering a drink can mark the start of a night out, signal relaxation or ease self-consciousness around other people. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 The film begins with the religious question of whether young Ilyas is allowed to shave the bristles on his upper lip, leading to a consistent self-consciousness, which appears (and re-appears) as Ilyas imagining extreme close-ups of hair and skin. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 Four-hour rehearsal days, repetition until instinct replaces self-consciousness, and a certain surrender to imperfection. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 That’s the opposite of collective uniformity, where you’re so overcome by self-consciousness and insecurity. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 July 2026 For the people listening, Cum Town could feel like a transmission from a more lawless internet, where the jokes moved faster than the self-consciousness around them. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Each one is like a Russian nesting doll of political self-consciousness, one kernel of meaning hidden inside the next. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Some of those Calarco spoke with were drawn toward communities, such as conservative mom groups and evangelical churches, that assuaged some of that lonely self-consciousness. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-consciousness
  1. self-awareness
  2. self-recognition
  3. self-analysis
  4. introspection
  5. self-reflection
  6. self-observation
  7. self-absorption
Noun
  • Social awareness is the outward-facing counterpart to self-awareness.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ask the question, take the pause, and let honest self-awareness guide the next conversation.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-awareness
Noun
  • According to a new study published in PLOS One, both animals show the behavioral hallmarks of mirror self-recognition—a cognitive ability long considered a marker of self-awareness, and one that had never before been documented in beluga whales.
    — Federica Sgorbissa, ArsTechnica, 24 May 2026
  • Research from Frontiers in Neurology and Neuroscience links susceptibility to contagious yawning with theory of mind, self-recognition and activation of brain regions associated with social cognition and empathy.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of self-recognition
Noun
  • Whether that includes external self-analysis alongside the expertise Brighton provide remains to be seen.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For aspiring owners, self-analysis of one’s personality, financial status, goals and life experiences should become the foundation for future choices.
    — Angelo Chavez, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of self-analysis
Noun
  • Ahead of the sound bath, Oso Sound Healing Studio founder Avery Whitmore said the unconventional space would invite a childlike energy, a deeper connection to animals and introspection.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Whether the loss of Jason Arday has prompted any self-reflection for a notoriously ruthless industry remains to be seen, but the headlines about the Sussexes’ move back to Britain have been — so far — surprisingly lukewarm.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The record leaned into self-reflection and self-preservation informed by a divorce, his introduction to fatherhood, and an exploration of his Mexican roots through his signature alternative R&B sound.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 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
  • Simon is often his own worst enemy, letting his self-absorption and professional hang-ups derail him.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past half century, the city’s culture has descended into one of entitlement, complacency and self-absorption.
    — Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of self-absorption

Browse Nearby Words

self-conscious
self-consciousness
self-consequence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-consciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-consciousness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All