SELF-EXAMINATION Synonyms: 31 Similar Words

self-examination

noun

ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of self-examination

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 In fact, much of our technology is designed to distract us from, or worse, replace this loop of self-examination and improvement. — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 2026 Awareness of this naturally leads to thoughtful self-examination. — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 15 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 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 See All Example Sentences for self-examination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-examination

Noun

Born as the score to a surreal short film set on Manchester’s empty streets, the ambient duo’s latest album folds classical instrumentation and field recordings into a mood of deep introspection.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
And the disturbing oscillations are a journey from uncertainty to insight, a train ride from introspection to moral resolution.

— Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

Crowley won the primary by a half percentage point — roughly 3,800 votes — illustrating Democrats’ soul-searching in the Upper Midwestern swing state.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
The tragedy has prompted soul-searching in the world of TV news helicopter pilots and focused attention on safety issues.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of soul-searching

Noun

Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
From there, Shaikh began to challenge Daniel on his Islamist views and to guide him toward self-reflection and accountability.

— Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-reflection

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

Walking and talking with an AI fellow pilgrim Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodo in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.

— Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
She was accepted into the convent at the age of 36, and led a life of prayer and contemplation.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplation

Browse Nearby Words

self-evidently

self-examination

self-examinations

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“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-examination. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-examination

noun

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