self-questioning 1 of 2

noun

ˌself-ˈkwes-chə-niŋ How to pronounce self-questioning (audio)
Definition of self-questioningnext
as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings so consumed with self-questioning that he was virtually paralyzed by self-doubt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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self-questioning

2 of 2

adjective

as in self-reflective

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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-questioning
Noun
This majestic sequence delivers a lifetime’s outpouring of love’s inadequacies and frustrations, of grief and regret, of gratitude along with candid acceptance of loss, and of self-questioning that never shakes the foundations of the family—her ferocious commitment to the children. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 After long periods of grief, reflection and painful self-questioning, most of the families interviewed by The Charlotte Observer no longer seem interested in reducing their children’s deaths to any one thing. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026 But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy. — Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-questioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-questioning
  1. introspection
  2. self-reflective
  3. soul-searching
  4. diffident
  5. self-reflection
  6. self-flagellating
  7. self-examination
  8. self-observation
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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Political memoirs are rarely especially vulnerable or self-reflective.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026
Definition of self-reflective
Noun
  • This month is basically like a bridge between the tumultuousness of August’s eclipses and the soul-searching that October’s Venus Retrograde will bring.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • There was a lot of soul-searching on my part for all of the right songs.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of soul-searching
Adjective
  • As the trailer tells us, the pleasantly diffident Mona (Moore) is thrown way out of orbit following an audition for a musical show.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
  • To strangers, Kay seemed demure, diffident, even shy, an impression her youthful appearance helped create.
    — Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of diffident
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
Adjective
  • At times, Carol’s admirable rebelliousness seems to come at the cost of self-flagellating destruction, a badge of honor to be miserable.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of self-flagellating
Noun
  • What came of this self-examination were over sixty videos made in high-definition 3D, produced in weekly sessions over the course of more than a year, beginning in February 2025.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Fundamental Questions To Ask CEOs and the board chair should think of the annual review as a self-examination into what is working well today and what can be improved for tomorrow.
    — James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-examination
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

Browse Nearby Words

self-protective
self-questioning
self-questionings
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Cite this Entry

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

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