self-examination

noun

self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-examination (audio)
1
: a reflective examination (as of one's beliefs or motives) : introspection
2
: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

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
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.
Blight argues persuasively that Douglass’s eloquence transformed the speech into an enduring historical marker — a profound moment of national self-examination that reverberates across generations. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 For me, Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is about periodic self-examination, reflection, and a deep look at life with intention and commitment to live forward with greater meaning. Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Constellation should use this black eye as an opportunity for brutally honest self-examination. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 This self-examination seems glib (whereas del Toro was actually more affecting as the desperate artist in The French Dispatch). Armond White, National Review, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-examination

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-examination was in 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Self-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-examination. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

self-examination

noun
self-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion -ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-examination (audio)
variants or self-exam
: examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease
regular self-examination for early detection of breast cancer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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