introspective
adjective
in·tro·spec·tive
ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv 
: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection
As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.
… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.—
David T. Lindsay
David T. LindsayThere's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.—Peter Salovey
Peter Salovey
introspectively
adverb
This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives.
—Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
introspectiveness
noun
Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence.
—Jasmine Tatah
Jasmine Tatah
Examples of introspective in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From Revenge Spending to Revenge Saving: A Behavioral Shift
In contrast to the conspicuous consumption of revenge spending, revenge saving reflects a quieter, more introspective approach to financial resilience.
—Ron Shevlin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
While the country’s recent sci-fi hits — such as the blockbuster Wandering Earth franchise — lean toward big-budget spectacle in the Hollywood mold, Qiu’s film offers a quieter, more introspective approach.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Very rarely are introspective questions publicly debated today about the objective attractiveness of military service or the appetite for violence among young people.
—Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 12 June 2025
But beyond the big stages, Outside Festival is also a launchpad for rising voices in music—artists like Hazlett, whose introspective lyrics and mellow grooves are gaining momentum across continents.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 19 May 2025
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Ron Shevlin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
While the country’s recent sci-fi hits — such as the blockbuster Wandering Earth franchise — lean toward big-budget spectacle in the Hollywood mold, Qiu’s film offers a quieter, more introspective approach.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Very rarely are introspective questions publicly debated today about the objective attractiveness of military service or the appetite for violence among young people.
—Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 12 June 2025
But beyond the big stages, Outside Festival is also a launchpad for rising voices in music—artists like Hazlett, whose introspective lyrics and mellow grooves are gaining momentum across continents.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for introspective
Cite this Entry
“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspective. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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