self-contemplation

noun

ˌself-ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən How to pronounce self-contemplation (audio)
Definition of self-contemplationnext
as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings she doesn't seem to see the difference between a reasonable amount of self-contemplation and total self-absorption

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-contemplation 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-contemplation
  1. introspection
  2. contemplation
  3. self-observation
  4. self-reflection
  5. self-examination
  6. soul-searching
Noun
  • While tech billionaires such as Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen may see empathy and introspection as weaknesses, those traits are the beating heart of literature and art, the wellspring of creativity and human connection.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of the 2022 season, Pryor tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during preseason camp, beginning a year of introspection, discovery and, at times, distraction from the sport that had shaped his identity.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Indeed, Serrano’s image is, to me, comparable to an icon, worthy of sincere contemplation.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The process of filming and editing became one of observation, contemplation and confrontation.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplation
Noun
  • 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
  • Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Definition of self-observation
Noun
  • Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-reflection
Noun
  • Fundamental Questions To Ask CEOs and the board chair should think of the annual review as a self-examination into what is working well today and what can be improved for tomorrow.
    — James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Prior to the age of 40, your annual OB-GYN exam and regular self-examination is the baseline for screening for anything suspicious; after the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended for additional imaging.
    — Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Definition of self-examination
Noun
  • There was a lot of soul-searching on my part for all of the right songs.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • So ensues a period of delirious soul-searching, given tremendous gravitas by Bakhtadze.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of soul-searching

Browse Nearby Words

self-containment
self-contemplation
self-contemplations
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Cite this Entry

“Self-contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-contemplation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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