self-examination

noun

self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a reflective examination (as of one's beliefs or motives) : introspection

2

: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

Synonyms

• introspection
• self-contemplation
• self-observation
• self-questioning
• self-reflection
• self-scrutiny
• self-searching
• soul-searching

Examples of self-examination in a Sentence

many people use the dawning of a new year as an occasion for some quiet self-examination

Recent Examples on the Web

The moon’s connection to Saturn offers a beautiful opportunity for self-examination and healing. —USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025

Under the guidance of their trainers, athletes undergo self-examination and trial-and-error strategies for improvement. —Janine Schindler, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

This complicated story provides a unique tradition that anchors the institution of the Catholic Church, but can also block the church from critical self-examination and renewal. —Daniel Speed Thompson, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025

The self-examination that question sparks in Rebecca is a fascinatingly rich one that deals with notions like consent, personal boundaries and abuse of power. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-examination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Medical Definition

self-examination

noun

self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion -ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

variants or self-exam

-ig-ˈzam 

: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

regular self-examination for early detection of breast cancer