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
Relevance
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
Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-questioning
- introspection
- self-reflective
- soul-searching
- diffident
- self-reflection
- self-flagellating
- self-examination
- self-observation
Noun
-
Winter is prime time for introspection and rest, and the current wave of nail trends reflect that.—
-
The Altadena space suffered minimal damage, and after months of introspection and urging from his employees, Tyler rechristened the place as Betsy in August.—
Adjective
-
Sentimental Value, a film about a self-reflective director dealing with his two daughters, also played very well.—
-
The self-reflective tone marks a thematic shift for a band whose debut radiated a cool irony, pulling emotional punches in favor of observations centered around mid-20s delusion.—
Noun
-
But there has also been sadness and soul-searching about the place the community has in a neighborhood well known for its Jewish roots, and in Australia’s wider society.—
-
Moore has some soul-searching to do in the offseason, which has already begun for all intents and purposes.—
Adjective
-
This small, diffident moment is one more reason to mourn his death.—
-
In the new film Hot Milk, the sensual but diffident 20-something Sofia (Emma Mackey) travels with her invalid mother, Rose (Fiona Shaw), to the Mediterranean shores of Spain in search of an experimental cure for the latter’s (possibly hypochondriac) illness.—
Noun
-
Real-life scenarios, self-reflection, group discussion, and practical tools.—
-
As Mercury enters Capricorn, self-reflection is your priority.—
Adjective
-
At times, Carol’s admirable rebelliousness seems to come at the cost of self-flagellating destruction, a badge of honor to be miserable.—
Noun
-
Some time spent in self-examination could yield new insights.—
-
The immediate reward for undertaking this kind of hard self-examination would mainly be shame and regret.—
Noun
-
There are three invitations leaders can offer their direct reports: Play with the technology as a tool for self-observation.—
-
Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.—
Cite this Entry
“Self-questioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-questioning. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share