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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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
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 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
Noun
And yet, in the scene on the Hill of Love, Lapid offers no self-questioning, no sense of cinematic exertion or trouble, in the fictional framing of the real agonies of Gaza. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-questioning
- introspection
- self-reflective
- soul-searching
- diffident
- self-reflection
- self-flagellating
- self-examination
- self-observation
Noun
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Every Male Actor Gets A Role WWII movies are a hard genre to stand out in, but Malick succeeds through introspection, inspired by the novel’s study of character amidst brutal chaos.— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
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The Opera Gallery says the gouache reflects a moment of introspection and concentrated studio work for the artist.— Jake McGowan, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These are Grace’s own watercolor paintings, self-reflective and complex, much like her latest EP, Heavy Hair.— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
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Young adults in the early earbuds age used her songs as fuel for runs, laptop work, Tinder hookups, and the solitary, self-reflective mornings after.— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Barnes met Imam in a moment of soul-searching.— Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
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But thankfully, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are spared any such soul-searching.— Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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To strangers, Kay seemed demure, diffident, even shy, an impression her youthful appearance helped create.— Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026
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This small, diffident moment is one more reason to mourn his death.— Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
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These include psychotherapy that is inspired by the Quran, the teachings of the prophet and spiritual practices such as self-reflection, prayer and mindfulness.— Anisah Bagasra, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
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No one knows everything when getting into a relationship, but self-reflection and awareness have been beneficial.— Christina Frazier, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
Noun
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The shift from institutional blame to self-examination is where the film found its real subject.— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
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Yet her songs remain disarmingly human, meditating on desire, vulnerability, and self-examination.— Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Self-questioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/self-questioning. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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