as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
some self-observation might give you some insights into how others perceive you
Synonyms & Similar 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-observation
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
Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-observation
- introspection
- self-reflection
- self-examination
- soul-searching
- self-scrutiny
- contemplation
- self-contemplation
- self-questioning
Noun
-
Barker shows him no mercy for his actions, but leaves the door open to darker introspection.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Full of big, shouty drill sergeants, lovable characters and deep introspection, the series is earnest and refreshing.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As with many things in life, self-reflection can be a tremendous help in mitigating worry, fear, pressure, anxiety, and stress.—
Harry Kraemer,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
An effort by the College Board to reemphasize the benefits of deep reading — for critical thinking, for self-reflection, for learning of all kinds — might go a long way toward restoring some balance.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mother’s turbulent self-examination is incited by the revelation of Sister Agnieszka’s pregnancy in the film’s first Act.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
-
This disciplined self-examination is the foundation for refining skills and advancing toward mastery.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Peterson’s messages about masculinity have found an audience among young men seeking direction and prompted soul-searching among Christian podcasting pastors.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
But Black Wednesday also sparked deeper soul-searching.—
Kyle Westaway,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In a foundational study, it was found that companies professing a strong belief in meritocracy were more likely to reward men over equally performing women because the belief in objectivity ironically reduces self-scrutiny in decisions, giving managers subconscious permission to act on stereotypes.—
Heather Price,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.—
Kenneth Lasson,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Bill gravitates towards Tammy (Jane Levy), his daughter-in-law and the only other person in his rambunctious household who values contemplation and repose.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
-
In the contemplation stage, individuals consider the need for change and intend to take action within the foreseeable future.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
After the eclipse wraps, the Sun doubles down on the compulsion toward self-contemplation in partnership with Lilith.—
Jennifer Culp,
Them,
27 Sep. 2024
-
Missing from the fair but important nonetheless is Hsiao Chin, the first and only post-war Chinese artist to convey Eastern philosophical ideas and the concepts of mindfulness and self-contemplation in the Western pictorial language of abstraction.—
Florence Tsai,
Forbes,
26 Mar. 2023
Noun
-
But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy.—
Chris Reed,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-observation. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share